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

2. 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
                                                       
                                                

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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