Imagine you are a middle school student and you never seem to have time for breakfast. Imagine trying to think about your school work and studies, all the while battling your hungry stomach and thinking about that unfortunate decision to skip breakfast.
Now, imagine a new scenario where you are given a "second chance" for breakfast at school; a breakfast that can help you concentrate on school work, not being hungry. That's exactly what happens in Frederick Middle School. Breakfasts including ice cold milk or yogurt, vibrantly colored fruits or fruit juices, and hearty whole grains are available to students between first and second periods. These nutrients rich breakfast foods from milk, grain, and fruit groups come from the most recent dietary guidelines "Food Groups to Encourage" knowing that many youth's diets are lacking in these foods.
Frederick Public Schools has stepped up to the breakfast plate to help students succeed in the classroom by providing an alternative breakfast service method designed to increase breakfast participation. In addition, breakfast is free to all students in Frederick Middle School.
The National School Breakfast Program is designed to offer children a nutritious morning meal that provides one-fourth of a student's daily needs for key nutrients including calcium. Studies from around the United States have shown kids who eat breakfast seem to have an easier time learning than kids who don't eat breakfast.
"The benefits kids receive from eating a nutritious breakfast are numerous and well documented," states Susan Allen, program coordinator for Dairy MAX. "Eating breakfast yields better student test scores, increases concentration and attendance, decreases disciplinary problems, and more." An Alternative breakfast service like the one described is also known as "Expanding Breakfast" and is served outside of the cafeteria, with startup grant funding provided by Dairy MAX, the local dairy council. Enjoying a meal with a cold milk, either white or chocolate, the students receive important nutrients to help them build strong bones and healthy bodies during a "Grab & Go" breakfast program implemented this year. For more information about breakfast for learning, go to www.dairymax.org.
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