Principals are champions for students, and many are leading the way to address childhood hunger in schools across Louisiana. That’s why we’re celebrating National Principals Month by recognizing the incredible school leaders who ensure students have the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
New research from No Kid Hungry’s Back to School Report highlights just how critical school meals are for families across the country. Surveying over 1,200 parents, the report reveals that many households are struggling to put food on the table, especially during the summer months when school is out. The return to school and access to reliable school meals provide vital relief. According to the report, 40% of parents worry that food will run out before the end of the month and rising food prices are their top concern. However, most parents surveyed view school meals as a valuable program, with over 80% noting that children perform better in school when they eat there.
In the report, parents shared stories of how school meals reduce financial stress and help their kids stay focused, healthy, and ready to learn. One Georgia father put it simply:
“When you are on a tight budget, a meal from a school helps you pass through that difficult phase.”
School meals are more than just food – they’re fuel for learning and lifelines for families. They activate student learning, improve attendance, and reduce stress at home. That’s why principals who prioritize school nutrition programs are also helping build stronger communities.
One powerful way school leaders are going the extra mile to support school meals is by ensuring school breakfast is accessible to students. With innovative breakfast models, like Breakfast After the Bell, common barriers (such as transportation schedules, stigma, or late arrivals) to breakfast access are removed by making it a seamless part of the school day. This approach has proven to significantly boost school breakfast participation and support better outcomes for kids. With principal support, this model is transforming how and when students access the most important meal of the day.
Want to learn how to build stronger relationships with principals and teachers around breakfast implementation and beyond? Watch our webinar, Gaining Teacher and Principal Buy-in for Breakfast After the Bell, where nutrition leaders share proven strategies for initiating engagement, providing training, and maintaining ongoing communication with school staff to ensure the success of Breakfast After the Bell programs. Connections made during the school year can also support strong summer programs for students.
As we celebrate principals this month, we honor their commitment to student well-being both in and out of the classroom. Principals who support school and summer meal programs are making a real difference for student health and success.
