No Kid Hungry Virginia has awarded more than $76,500 in grants to support breakfast programs at 18 schools across the state since October. The funding boosts Breakfast After the Bell initiatives, a program that increases access to school breakfast by bringing breakfast out of the cafeteria and making it a part of the school day.
More than 300,000 children in Virginia live in families that struggle with hunger. Research shows that hunger has long-term ramifications on children, including lower test scores, weaker attendance rates and a higher risk of hospitalizations and chronic diseases. No Kid Hungry Virginia and its partners focus on Breakfast After the Bell as a critical way to end childhood hunger in Virginia.
Accessing traditional cafeteria breakfast service can be challenging for many kids. Breakfast After the Bell provides breakfast in a way that is more convenient and accessible to students, resulting in increased student participation.
The following school received funding in the latest round of No Kid Hungry Virginia breakfast grants:
– McCleary Elementary in Craig County
More than 1,000 schools in Virginia have Breakfast After the Bell programs. Research indicates that eating breakfast at school helps children improve classroom performance, attendance and promotes healthy habits.
“With the help of our school divisions and partners, more Virginia students are eating breakfast at school every day,” said Claire Mansfield, No Kid Hungry Virginia state director. “No Kid Hungry Virginia is committed to connecting more students in the Commonwealth with breakfast by expanding and strengthening Breakfast After the Bell programs.”
-Submitted by Cameron McPherson, APR The Hodges Partnership
