MONTGOMERY, Ala. – We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it “breaks the fast” from our overnight sleep. A good breakfast is an especially important part of fueling a child’s success in school.
Did you know that children who eat breakfast are more likely to:
- Be more alert and maintain a healthy weight
- Have better concentration and memory
- Reach higher levels of achievement in reading and math
- Score higher on standardized tests
Still, with today’s busy schedules, it’s easy for kids to rush out the door in the morning without eating. That’s why, for many, the school breakfast program is so essential! In fact, students who participate in school breakfast tend to have better attendance rates and fewer behavioral problems.
During the week of March 6-10, 2023, schools across Alabama will be celebrating National School Breakfast Week. According to the Alabama State Department of Education, a total of 49,024,641 school breakfast meals were served to Alabama students in 2022. These meals are often more nutritious than the average breakfast a child gets from home or a fast-food restaurant. Alabama’s school breakfast programs provide a variety of nutritious options, including fruit, milk, yogurt, grits, toast and biscuits. Check with your children’s schools to see what activities may be planned for that week and encourage them to “Dig Into School Breakfast.”
Visit the School Nutrition Association at https://schoolnutrition.org/event/2023-national-school-breakfast-week to learn more about School Breakfast Week
Healthy breakfast options for kids
Whether your kids eat breakfast at home or at school, having a variety of nutrient-rich foods is important. Some healthy options your kids will love include:
- Peanut butter on whole-grain toast
- Instant oatmeal topped with walnuts and strawberries
- Milk, spinach, banana and nut butter smoothies
Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org/food/planning/meals-and-snacks/breakfast-key-to-growing-healthy for more tips and menu ideas.
