Although the calendar tells us summer has just begun, come Independence Day, students, teachers and parents know back-to-school preparation is just around the corner.  Here at LAMPa, we will be using the summer legislative recess to meet with synod staff and congregations in the “Feed My Lambs” campaign to expand school breakfast participation.

In Pennsylvania, hundreds of thousands of children are missing out on the most important meal of the day. Even though 85 percent of schools that offer school lunch also offer school breakfast, but most kids cannot or do not take advantage of it.  Of particular concern, only 44 percent of low-income kids who eat school lunch also eat school breakfast. This missed opportunity not only affects kids’ health, nutrition and readiness to learn; it also has a significant economic impact. In 2010-2011, Pennsylvania lost more federal funding due to low participation in school breakfast than all but five other states.

Yes, school budgets are tight. Recently released nutrition guidelines and new accounting procedures are making even seasoned food service directors wonder how they are going to continue to operate in the black.  Some districts already are considering cutting their breakfast programs.

We and others in our hunger coalition want to partner with congregations to help them work with their local schools to look for new ways to use the federal and state resources that are available to make it easier for students to start the day right.  See how your district is doing here.  Want to help? We would be glad to help you get started.

 

Leave A Comment