We all know how unfocused and annoyed we get at work when don’t eat breakfast. For children, hunger is more than a bad mood. Hungry children are more likely to repeat grades, exhibit aggressive, hyperactive or impulsive behavior, suffer from anxiety or depression, have lower math and reading scores or need special education services.
It’s really that simple: for a child to be ready to learn, that child must first be well-fed.
Here in Washington, one in four children live in households that struggle to put food on the table. School breakfasts and lunches are a great way to combat hunger.
But a new report released by United Way of King County showed that fewer than half of students eligible for free-or-reduced-price meals are eating breakfast at school. And, due to the recession, the number of school-aged children qualifying for free and reduced-price meals in Washington state has risen by 153% since the year 2000.
So how do we make sure Washington’s children are fueled for success? Simple – Breakfast After the Bell.
This new strategy, eating breakfast in the classroom, has been successful in more than a dozen other states. With breakfast after the bell Maryland now reaches 53% of its students with school breakfast – compared to Washington’s measly 15%.
- Will it take away from instructional time?
- No, it takes only 10 minutes, time which teachers can use for announcements and passing out homework. Additionally, breakfast is seen as a motivator, reducing tardiness and absenteeism.
- Will it be messy?
- No. Schools can choose less messy foods like fruit and dry cereal, and with a few basic cleaning supplies and a trash bag at the ready, clean-up is a breeze!
- Will it be healthy?
- Yes! Children who participate in school breakfasts are less likely to see the school nurse or be overweight.
- Will it be expensive?
- No. Washington already has funds for breakfast as well as a state mandate. Plus, if we had higher participation in school breakfasts we could access up to $23 million in federal funding to help!
Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila, is planning to sponsor a bill this legislative session offering Breakfast After the Bell in Washington. Go Rep. Hudgins! Looks like he knows his mother was right – breakfast is the most important meal of the day!