Press Release: 3/18/2025

How School Breakfast Fuels Student Success

 

Griselda Velazquez prepares breakfast for students at Clark Avenue Middle School.

On a sunny March morning, Clark Avenue Middle School buzzed with excitement as students streamed into the cafeteria to begin their day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast. This vibrant scene highlights the pivotal role of breakfast in a student's daily routine, setting the tone for their learning and engagement.

The school nutrition staff, including dedicated workers like Griselda Velazquez, ensured that every meal served was appealing and packed with essential nutrients. “Here [kids] feel comfortable, and they like to eat in here with us,” Griselda shares, reinforcing that breakfast is about more than just food—it's about community and care. Research consistently shows that students who start their morning with a wholesome meal benefit in numerous ways: they experience improved memory, better focus, and a greater capacity to handle the challenges of the school day.

However, despite these advantages, breakfast participation rates often fall short, with many students arriving at school without eating. Project Bread supports the critical need for accessible and appealing breakfast options. Our work in uplifting school breakfast programs across Massachusetts underscores the understanding that a well-fed student is more likely to thrive academically and socially. By transforming and supporting school breakfast programs, we make them essential and enjoyable for students.