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Why get involved with the School Breakfast Program?
You’re busy. You have a lot on your plate already. You’re already
working with schools to offer nutrition education. You’re already on a
community coalition. Why should you bother working to increase participation
in the School Breakfast Program?
5 reasons backed by research:
- School breakfast improves the quality of children's diets.
- School breakfast helps children perform better academically.
- School breakfast improves student behavior.
- Not all students are able to eat breakfast at home.
- School breakfasts may reduce the prevalence of obesity.
Local knowledge
As an Extension educator, you bring in-depth local knowledge that those working
in the school may or may not know. You know what is going on in the community,
how community members feel about certain issues and how they’d like those
issues addressed. You also bring connections to others in the community. Maybe
working on school breakfasts is something your local hunger or healthy weight
coalition could address rather than you on your own.
Experience working with schools and students
As an educator you bring extensive experience working in schools and with students.
You know how students feel about food and nutrition, in addition to other issues.
You also have access to curricula, promotional materials, research and best
practices to promote and enhance both breakfast and the School Breakfast Program.
Promotion of food security
UW-Extension has an interest in increasing access to Federal assistance programs
such as the School Breakfast Program. Increasing the number of children eating
a nutritious breakfast and using Federal assistance programs to do so will strengthen
families and the community.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time
Getting involved in the School Breakfast Program doesn't need to take a lot
of your time. It can be as simple as including a lesson on the importance of
breakfast in a nutrition class or making sure your clients know they are eligible
for free or reduced price school meals.
Getting involved is not just for Nutrition educators and coordinators. Family
Living, 4-H Youth Development and other Extension educators can have a role
to play in promoting the School Breakfast Program.
Ideas on how to get involved with the School
Breakfast Program
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