3.29.2012 At Figueroa Elementary School, Los Angeles Unified School District leaders announce an ambitious plan to serve breakfast in the classrooms of 675 LAUSD schools over the next three years, bringing the benefits of morning nutrition to over 500,000 students.
Hungry children can’t learn. California Food Policy Advocates commends LAUSD on its enormous commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to start the school day well-nourished and ready to learn. The School Breakfast Program offers those who would otherwise miss out on the most important meal of the day the opportunity to have a nutritious start to the day. Of the over 553,000 LAUSD students who qualify for a free or reduced price meal, only 29% currently eat at school. Breakfast in the Classroom is the most effective way to ensure students have access the breakfast meal at school.
CFPA recognizes LAUSD Superintendent Deasy’s leadership for announcing steps today to implement Breakfast in the Classroom at 675 schools over the next three years. This initiative, known locally as “Food For Thought”, will bring academic and health benefits to students, as well as minimize employee layoffs during this year’s fiscal crisis by increasing state and federal funds for additional meals served. Food For Thought will be implemented by LAUSD’s Food Services Division, in concert with the LA Fund for Public Education, CFPA, Healthy School Food Coalition, and many other partners.
“Only one year ago, we launched No Kid Hungry Los Angeles with our national partner Share Our Strength,” said CFPA’s Nicola Edwards. “Our goal was to increase breakfast participation by 70,000 students. LAUSD’s breakfast in the classroom program will eventually serve over 500,000 additional students daily – an amazing achievement.”
Learn more about No Kid Hungry in Los Angeles. link
Learn more about the Food For Thought Initiative. link
From Top Left: LA Mayor Villaraigosa addressing the audience, Breakfast served in the classroom, students deliver breakfast to their classrooms, and actress Sophia Vergara enjoys breakfast in the classroom with students.
