At No Kid Hungry Virginia, we believe every child deserves a strong start to their day—and that starts with a healthy school breakfast. As we celebrate National School Breakfast Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the power of school breakfast and the role it plays in helping kids learn, grow, and thrive.
For many students across Virginia, school breakfast is more than just a meal—it’s a lifeline. Research shows that when kids eat a nutritious breakfast, they do better in school, have improved focus and behavior, are more likely to graduate, and are less likely to experience chronic absenteeism. Simply put: when students have the nutrition they need, they show up ready to learn, stay engaged, and succeed.
Bringing Breakfast to More Students with Breakfast After the Bell
That’s why No Kid Hungry Virginia works alongside schools to expand Breakfast After the Bell—a proven strategy that helps more kids start their day with the food they need to succeed. By serving breakfast after the official start of the school day and making it part of the school routine—just like lunch—schools can reach more students and break down barriers to participation.
Schools across Virginia have seen success using Breakfast After the Bell models, including:
- Breakfast in the Classroom – Students eat breakfast together in their classroom, fostering a sense of community.
- Grab and Go Breakfast – Students pick up breakfast from a central location and eat it in the classroom or common areas.
- Second Chance Breakfast – Students can grab breakfast later in the morning, between their first and second classes.
Get the Tools to Expand School Breakfast
Want to bring Breakfast After the Bell to more students in your school? The No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices has resources to help, including:
- Key Stakeholder Buy-in Resources
- Implementing a Successful Program
- Breakfast After the Bell Meal Quality
- Breakfast After the Bell Webinar Recordings
Learn more and take the next step in expanding school breakfast!
