Breakfast Still Most Important
Meal
by
John Vogel | October 24, 2007
 Mom
always said that getting a good breakfast "under
my belt" was the best way to start off the
day. And today, even local schools are learning
that a breakfast a day keeps boredom at bay.
To promote the important link between breakfast
and learning, the National Dairy Council launched
an Expanding Breakfast Award program to call attention
to the important of alternative school breakfast
options. The program is funded in part by the Mid-Atlantic
Dairy Association and local dairy farmers.
Offering breakfast outside of the cafeteria increases
participation by providing service for students who
arrive late or who prefer to socialize rather than
eating in the cafeteria. It also helps to remove
the potential social stigma that the program is meant
for low-income students.
Why they're Expanding Breakfast winners
 First
place and a $5,000 grant was awarded to Camp Curtin
Elementary School of Harrisburg, Pa. "Since
we introduced Breakfast in the Classroom, school
breakfast participation has more than doubled," says
David Lloyd, director of food services.
"Teachers are finding students are more attentive,
better behaved and are ready to learn." Tardiness
dropped 57%; absenteeism declined 36%. There are
fewer visits to the school nurse before lunch by
students with hunger-related headaches and stomach
aches.
Daily offerings include lowfat and fat-free white
milk, whole grain muffins and cereals, fresh fruits
and 100% fruit juices. The district plans to use
the grant to purchase portable milk coolers and carts
to transport the insulated breakfast bags used to
keep foods ice cold as they're distributed throughout
the school.
Grab 'N Go breakfast service at the Camelot Café earned
Loyalsock Senior High in Williamsport second place
and a $2,000 grant. The Camelot is a gathering place
for the entire school community. Foodservice Director
Beth Hufnagel says students and faculty can enjoy
lowfat milk, milk-based hot chocolate, 100% juice,
whole grain cereals, cereal bars, bagels, granola
bars, fresh fruit, yogurt, yogurt parfaits and breakfast
sandwiches around stand-up tables. The district plans
to use the grant to expand the Grab 'N Go breakfast
program at the middle school level.
 Third place went to McGuffey High School in Claysville,
where students can purchase breakfast at five kiosks
throughout the school and eat it in their homerooms.
A hot food, like a breakfast pizza or a sandwich,
is available each morning plus lowfat and fat-free
milk, fresh fruit, 100% fruit juices, cereal bars
and breakfast pastries. Nearly 25% of students participate
in the Grab 'N Go breakfast program.
"The benefits children receive from eating
a nutritious breakfast are well-documented," confirms
Janette Carpentier, vice president of school marketing
for Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. "Eating
breakfast yields better student test scores, increases
concentration and attendance and decreases disciplinary
problems."
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