“My tummy hurts” and “I have a headache” are common reasons that students leave class in the morning to visit the school nurse, who discovers that these symptoms are likely related to not eating breakfast. Students who eat breakfast are not only in class more often, but have better brain functioning and improved behavior, among other benefits.
The 12th annual National School Breakfast Week was celebrated on March 7-11, 2011 to promote the importance of starting the day with breakfast and to raise awareness that the School Breakfast Program is available to all children. Students who eat breakfast at school tend to perform better academically than those who skip breakfast or eat at home much earlier.
Quick Facts About the National School Breakfast Program:
-
Over 1.1 million of the 6.1 million public school students participate
-
54% of California’s public school students are eligible to receive free or reduced‐price meals
-
30% of students eligible for reduced price meals participate
Because getting students to school early enough to have breakfast is often a challenge, these alternate options are gaining popularity in schools:
The USDA School Breakfast website lists some fun ways your school can promote school breakfast to all of your students.
-
Breakfast Dress-up Day
-
School Breakfast poster contest
-
Coaches eat breakfast with their teams the morning of a big game at a decorate table
-
Short article in school newspaper or parent newsletter
-
Teachers can put breakfast first by eating with their students or discussing the importance of it in class. For more on supporting school breakfast, check out Breakfast First.
Tracy Witmer, R.D.
Territory Manager
Tracy Witmer, Registered Dietitian
About me:
Tracy Witmer is a registered dietitian and Territory Manager for Dairy Council of California. Within the districts and schools of her 10-county territory, she engages teachers to use nutrition education in the classroom and is touched by the testimonies she hears from teachers, parents and students about its impact.
Tracy volunteers her time to serve as the 2011-2012 President of the Northern Area Dietetic Association. She received her B.S. in Nutrition Science with a Minor in Spanish at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and completed her dietetic internship at CSU Fresno.
As a dietitian, Tracy enjoys dispelling misconceptions about healthy eating and encourages a positive, individual, holistic approach to nutrition. She’s convinced everyone can find ways to eat well and be active, no matter if your day is spent in a school, office, home, car, field or factory. Though she keeps it simple in the kitchen, Tracy’s adventurous spirit is evident in her eating habits. She believes no one should pass an opportunity to try new food when presented with it… at least just a bite.
Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn