PARIS — School Administrative District 17 is getting students to begin their days by eating breakfast as part of the School Breakfast Program.

Busy weekday mornings make it a challenge for families to find time for a healthy breakfast. However, U.S. Department of Agriculture data show that more students are starting their day with a nutritious breakfast in their school cafeterias.

To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, Oxford Hills schools recognized National School Breakfast Week from March 7-11.

“A healthy breakfast at the start of the day is one way to ensure students are getting the best education they can,” said Jodi Truman, Oxford Hills Food Service director.

“We are pleased to offer all of our elementary students free breakfast and lunch under the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision,” Truman said.

The district serves more than 1,400 breakfast meals daily through the federally funded School Breakfast Program. School nutrition professionals in SAD 17 prepare breakfast and lunches every day that meet federal nutrition standards – limiting fat, calories and sodium – and encourage students to choose from the fruits, vegetables and whole grains offered with school meals.

National School Breakfast Week was launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program to all children and to promote the links between eating a good breakfast, academic achievement and healthy lifestyles.

The “Wake Up to School Breakfast” campaign is made possible by the nonprofit School Nutrition Association and Kellogg’s Specialty Channels. 

FMI: www.facebook.com/TrayTalk.