BREAKFAST The Most Important Meal of the Day: BREAKFAST National School Breakfast Week 2006

History of the National School Breakfast Program Enacted 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson Began as a 2-year pilot program to assist “nutritionally needy” children who traveled long distances to school or lived in poor neighborhoods 1971, program extended to include children of working mothers and low-income families 1975, program extended in include all schools                                                                                                         

School Breakfast Requirements Must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Less than 30% of total calories may come from fat Less than 10% of total calories may come from saturated fat Must provide ¼ of the RDA for: Calcium Iron Protein Vitamin A Vitamin C Calories

Why eat breakfast? Provides your brain and body energy Gives your body necessary nutrients to start the day Fiber, calcium, vitamin C, iron Helps with weight control Prevents you from over-eating later in the day Better memory

Research Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast demonstrate: Improved memory Improved problems solving skills Verbal fluency Creative abilities Improved classroom behavior More alert Happier

Why Breakfast At School? Parents may leave for work early and not have time to make breakfast Some children may not be hungry first thing in the morning Some children may have to travel long distances and are hungry when they arrive at school Children may eat better with friends at school

Energy Simple Carbohydrates Complex Carbohydrates Provides quick energy Ex. Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Grape Juice Complex Carbohydrates Provides lasting energy Ex. Cereals, whole wheat breads/bagels, oatmeal, pancakes

Energy Protein Fat Carbohydrate + Protein + Fat = balanced breakfast Provides energy and helps build strong muscles Fat Provides energy Carbohydrate + Protein + Fat = balanced breakfast

Nutrients Fiber Calcium Keeps you full longer Helps prevent development of cancer and diseases Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth

Nutrients Vitamin A Antioxidant that may lower risk of certain diseases Important for healthy eyes, lungs, and skin

What is Served in Schools for Breakfast? Traditional breakfast foods Peanut butter toast Breakfast pizza Soft granola bars Various bran, fruit, and nut muffins Pancakes-on-a stick Fruit Juices and milk Traditional breakfast foods: Eggs, pancakes, French toast, hot and cold cereal, bagels, etc