Research shows that children who increase their school breakfast participation as a result of a school breakfast program offered at no cost to all students show greater improvements in math scores, attendance, punctuality, depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity than children whose participation remains unchanged or decreases.
Did you know?
- 1 in 5 Maine kids lives in a household that struggles to put enough food on the table
- School breakfast can offer reliable access to nutrition for food insecure children.
- School breakfast results in calmer classrooms and focused students.
- School breakfast leads to better academic and health outcomes for students.
- School breakfast must meet strict nutritional standards and incorporate whole grains, fruit and milk and a recent study found that school meals are among the healthiest meals that students consume.
How can I help?
You can help make sure that students have access to school breakfast by supporting efforts to make breakfast part of the school day. Breakfast After the Bell is a best practice to ensure all kids are nourished and ready to learn. High need schools in Maine are required, by law, to provide breakfast after the school day starts, and there is funding available to start a Breakfast After the Bell program at your school.
Innovative Breakfast Models
- Breakfast in the Classroom: Nutrition staff pack breakfast in coolers or crates to deliver to classrooms. Students take 10-15 minutes to eat breakfast with their peers while getting the school day started.
- Grab and Go: Students grab breakfast from the cafeteria or a cart in the hallway on the way to their first class.
- Second Chance Breakfast: Students eat breakfast in between their first and second classes. This can either take place in the cafeteria or on the go.
Want to learn more about how to start a FREE Breakfast After the Bell program in your school?
Reach out to Anna Korsen 207.653.6301 or [email protected]
