Commissioner Miller Kicks Off School Breakfast Week (3/6/2017)

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller kicked off the start of School Breakfast Week (March 6 to 10) today and encourages young Texans to eat a healthy breakfast at school. Every school day about 1.7 million young Texans enjoy breakfast in the School Breakfast Program, which is administered in Texas by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). This week, schools across the Lone Star State will use the theme Take the Breakfast Challenge to encourage even more children to start their daily journey to academic excellence with a nutritious meal in the school cafeteria.

“Eating a healthy breakfast gives children the fuel they need to learn and grow,” Commissioner Miller said. “This week, students can step up to the challenge and see for themselves the benefits of breakfast. I am asking young Texans to start the school day with a healthy meal and learn more about how nutritious, locally-grown food can make the best meal of the day even better.”

TDA resources for School Breakfast Week 2017 encourage students to Take the Breakfast Challenge and feature artwork inspired by the You ART What You Eat statewide student art contest. The winning students’ artwork inspired the graphics used on posters, flyers, social media ads and other materials TDA developed for schools to promote school breakfast.

TDA also provided schools with School Breakfast Week menus featuring recipes using Texas agricultural products, as well as participation charts for elementary schools and selfie-backdrops for middle schools and high schools. These materials support school nutrition teams and their work to increase student awareness of the nutritious and appealing breakfasts served in Texas schools. 

In addition to preparing millions of meals that meet strict federal standards, Texas school nutrition professionals also work to teach children about healthy lifestyle choices, including eating fresh Texas foods. By participating in School Breakfast Week and other initiatives such as TDA’s Farm Fresh Fridays and the Local Products Challenge, which is held each October, schools can ensure students receive nutritious meals and understand the importance of good nutrition.

To learn more about School Breakfast Week and TDA’s healthy living initiatives, visit SquareMeals.org.

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