HCPSS Celebrates National School Breakfast Week, March 5-9, 2018

March 2nd, 2018

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) promotes student wellness and healthy eating during National School Breakfast Week from March 5–9. During the week, Deep Run Elementary School, Thomas Viaduct Middle School and Wilde Lake High School will pilot a ”grab and go breakfast” serving model. Students will receive breakfast from the cafeteria or kiosks, with the option to eat in classrooms, hallways or other venues. The school system will also honor cafeteria workers, who help serve more than 6,355 breakfast meals daily through the federally funded School Breakfast Program.

“This year, Howard County schools expanded its healthy meals program to all elementary schools to ensure all students can come to the classroom ready to learn,” said Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “National School Breakfast Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many ways our schools support student well-being—a crucial component in our efforts to create an equitable, nurturing educational program.”

Studies show that students who eat school breakfast are more likely to reach higher levels of achievement in reading and math; score higher on standardized tests; have better concentration, memory and alertness; have improved attendance, behavior and academic performance; and maintain a healthy weight.

“A healthy breakfast is one way to ensure students are getting the best education possible,” said Brian Ralph, HCPSS director of Food and Nutrition Services. “National School Breakfast Week helps us educate parents and students about all the healthy, great tasting and appealing choices we offer.” HCPSS school nutrition professionals ensure that school meals meet federal nutrition standards, limiting fat, calories and sodium.

The National School Breakfast Week campaign theme, “I Heart School Breakfast,” highlights that school breakfast provides a healthy and energizing start to the day for students. National School Breakfast Week raises awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program, a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions.

For more information about HCPSS meals, visit the HCPSS Food and Nutrition Services website.