INFORMATIONAL

  In our efforts to enhance student learning, it is important
  that students' basic needs not be overlooked.  Adequate
  nutrition is necessary for students to benefit fully from
  educational experiences provided in the classroom.  Eating
  breakfast can make a significant difference in student
  learning not only during testing periods but each school
  day.

  Research studies demonstrate that students who eat breakfast
  perform better and have less absenteeism than those who do
  not have this meal.  Eating breakfast on a daily basis has a
  significant relationship with improvement in test scores and
  reduced absenteeism and tardiness.  Children who do not eat
  breakfast frequently have inadequate intakes of calories,
  protein, calcium, and other nutrients that affect not only
  academic performance, but also their health and growth.  In
  addition, children do not have the ability to compensate for
  the missed meal as adults do.

  The School Breakfast Program helps many Virginia students
  prepare for learning.  They may not have had time to eat
  before riding the bus, eat breakfast so early that they are
  hungry, or may not have the resources for breakfast at home. 

  School Breakfast Week spotlights the importance of eating
  breakfast and the benefits provided by  school breakfasts
  for all children every day.  Schools are encouraged to
  promote and participate in School Breakfast Week with both
  cafeteria and classroom activities.  



  There are a variety of ways to encourage students to eat a
  school breakfast: breakfast promotions, classroom lessons,
  cafeteria decorations, and inviting parents, administrators,
  and community leaders to eat school breakfast with students.

  For additional information on breakfast, nutrition, and
  learning,  you may request copies of the publications,
  "Better Breakfast, Better Learning," and "Eat Well, Learn
  Well" by contacting Dr. Jane Logan, Director, School
  Nutrition Programs at (804) 225-2074.

  RTL/idl