National School Breakfast Week – the annual observance that raises awareness of the importance of a healthy school breakfast for students – recently wrapped up its 35th weeklong celebration.
A healthy, well-balanced school breakfast is one of the most pivotal items a student can have in their toolbox – right next to books, pencils and other school supplies. According to the Food Research & Action Center, school breakfast is linked to improved test scores and academic achievement. Breakfast programs also reduce tardiness, discipline issues and food insecurity. So, what grade does your school breakfast program score?
The most recent school breakfast report card from the Food Research & Action Center, ranks New York 38th in terms of school breakfast participation, reaching 53.1 low-income students with school breakfast for every 100 who participate in school lunch. Take the first step toward increasing your school breakfast grade by working with American Dairy Association North East.
Step 1:
American Dairy Association North East has specialists throughout the State who can evaluate your current program and work with you to implement successful strategies based on your school’s needs.
American Dairy Association North East’s Director of Nutrition Services Aisha King meets with School Nutrition Directors at a regional conference.
A newly installed breakfast kiosk – stocked with milk, yogurt, cheese sticks and fruit – at West Middle School in Binghamton allows students to quickly and conveniently get a meal on the go.
Step 2:
From classroom meal delivery to grab-and-go hallway kiosks, these meal service options not only increase access to meals, they also bring excitement to your program and showcase healthy food in an innovative way.
Step 3:
Whether you need classroom delivery carts, insulated merchandisers or mobile kiosks, our specialists have the vendor resources you need to get your program moooving.
Students gathered around a milk cooler.
The School Breakfast Program is essential to ending childhood hunger and supporting children’s health, learning, and development. New York dairy farmers through the American Dairy Association North East support efforts by schools to expand and improve children’s nutritional needs as families continue to feel the impact of COVID-19. For more information on our programs and resources, please contact us at schools@milk4u.org or visit AmericanDairy.com.
