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Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Students within the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) system will soon receive another lesson in addition to the three R’s – the importance of eating a healthy breakfast daily.
During the week of March 6 – 10, 2006 school districts nationwide will take part in National School Breakfast Week (NSBW), an annual celebration launched in 1989 by the School Nutrition Association (SNA) to raise awareness about the availability of breakfast for all students at school. NSBW is also designed to draw attention to the correlation between eating a good breakfast and cognitive growth.
Through a variety of promotional activities, DPS students will be encouraged to start their day off right by eating a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is offered at DPS schools at no charge. All schools will receive healthy eating tips while some select elementary schools will have visits from Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger ®. As part of its incentive program to promote breakfast, Kellogg’s will donate a range of items including character breakfast bowls, inflatable chairs and mountain bikes. Students at some high schools will have the opportunity to eat with a celebrity guest.
The Detroit Public Schools receives supplemental breakfast funding from the state.
This year’s NSBW theme is “Go Places with School Breakfast.” It is an appropriate catalyst to encourage students to contribute to their own success by beginning their day with breakfast at school. Research shows a connection between good nutrition, particularly a nutritious breakfast, and improved student academic performance and social behavior. Studies show that students who regularly eat breakfast demonstrate improved math grades, reduced hyperactivity, as well as decreased absence and tardiness rates.
“A sound diet is of critical importance to the mental and academic development of any school age children,” said William F. Coleman III, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools. “We recognize that in order for our children to make great strides academically they must come to the classroom prepared. Part of coming to the classroom prepared includes getting a healthy breakfast.”
“We encourage parents to take advantage of the program by convincing their children to come to school and eat breakfast so that they have a great start to their day. This way, their focus can be on learning instead of what they haven’t eaten,” stated Office of Food Services Director of Support Services and Registered Dietitian, Teresa Ulrich.
While National School Breakfast Week is observed annually, it also serves as an excellent reminder of programs already in place. During the 2004-2005 school year, DPS expanded its breakfast program to allow every child K-12 to receive Breakfast at No Charge regardless of the income level of their parents and guardians. The daily breakfast selection includes cereal, bagels, muffins, sausage sandwiches, omelets, pancakes and more.
