Principals are champions for their students, and across Virginia, many are leading the way to address childhood hunger in schools. This National Principals Month, we celebrate the school leaders who ensure students have the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Recent findings from No Kid Hungry Virginia’s hunger poll reveal the profound impact of rising food costs on families. Nearly half (45%) of Virginians are going into debt due to grocery expenses, with parents of public school children being disproportionately affected. Among these families, 52% report accumulating debt because of food prices. Additionally, 60% of adults and 65% of families indicate they must choose between purchasing nutritious food and affording other essentials like gas, utilities, or healthcare. These statistics underscore the critical role of school meals in alleviating food insecurity.
Parents have shared how school meals reduce financial stress and help their children stay focused, healthy, and ready to learn. A dad from Henrico County shared:
“Healthy food is more expensive. The school provides exactly what she needs.”
School meals are more than just food. They provide fuel for learning and serve as a lifeline for families. They improve attendance, support student learning, and help reduce stress at home. Principals who prioritize school nutrition programs are doing more than serving meals; they are strengthening communities.
One way school leaders are making a difference is by ensuring school breakfast is accessible to all students. Innovative breakfast models, like Breakfast After the Bell, remove common barriers such as transportation schedules, stigma, or late arrivals by making breakfast a seamless part of the school day. With principal support, these models significantly boost participation and help students start their day ready to learn.
Looking to strengthen partnerships with principals and teachers around breakfast and beyond? Our webinar, Gaining Teacher and Principal Buy-in for Breakfast After the Bell, shares proven strategies for initiating engagement, providing training, and maintaining ongoing communication to ensure program success. These school year connections can also support strong summer meal programs for students.
This National Principals Month, we honor the dedication of school leaders who champion student well-being in and out of the classroom. Principals who support school and summer meal programs are making a tangible difference for children’s health, learning, and success.
