Reminder: Abilene ISD Celebrates National School Breakfast Week

Studies indicate that students who eat school breakfast increase their math and reading scores and improve their cognitive speed and memory, according to the Food Research and Action Center. However, fewer than half of the children that receive lunch at school also receive breakfast.

To garner increased participation in the School Breakfast Program, Abilene ISD schools are recognizing National School Breakfast Week. Slated for March 4-8, National School Breakfast Week is a weeklong celebration aimed at increasing awareness of the School Breakfast Program among students and parents.

The 2013 theme, "Be a Star with School Breakfast," highlights how eating a balanced breakfast at school can help students shine like their favorite stars in the movies, on the field, and on TV.

Cafeterias are celebrating school breakfast with special theme-related menu names, decorations and giveaways.

The National School Breakfast Week Elementary menu features the following items:

• Picture-perfect Pancakes & Ham
• Superstar Canadian Bacon & Egg Sandwich
• Celebrity Cereal & Talented Toast
• Broadway Breakfast Burrito
• Cinema-Roll

Every school day, Abilene ISD's breakfast program offers students the healthy foods they need to get set for a busy school day. Every school breakfast served meets federal nutrition standards limiting fat and portion size. Currently Abilene ISD serves an average of 5,936 breakfast meals each day. Our goal is to increase this number throughout the school year. One way we have been able to increase in the past is the implementation of Fuel Up First, breakfast in the classroom, at some of our elementary schools.

Healthy school breakfasts can be a lifesaver for busy parents too. "It's a race for any family to get their kids ready, fed and out the door in time for school," said Joann Knox. "Knowing that their children can eat a healthy breakfast at school can be a huge relief for parents."

"Be a Star with School Breakfast" was created by the non-profit School Nutrition Association with support from Kellogg's Foodservice. This national campaign recognizes National School Breakfast Week, launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program (SBP) to all children and the links between eating a good breakfast, academic achievement and healthy lifestyles.