Commissioner Miller Kicks Off School Breakfast Week (3/5/2018)

AUSTIN – Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced the start of School Breakfast Week, which runs March 5 through 9, and makes eating breakfast at school a special occasion for Texas students. Every school day, approximately 1.7 million young Texans enjoy breakfast through 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 Dive into a Healthy Breakfast to show students how a successful day in the classroom begins with breakfast in the cafeteria.

“Children need to start their days with a healthy breakfast, so they can grow and learn all day long,” Commissioner Miller said. “During School Breakfast Week, students can get excited about enjoying a school breakfast and see firsthand how it gives them an edge in school and in life. I am asking young Texans to make school breakfast and nutritious, locally-grown food part of their winning game plan for a healthy lifestyle.”

TDA resources help schools promote their School Breakfast Week 2018 events. All of the materials TDA provided feature artwork inspired by the winning entries in the You ART What You Eat statewide student art contest. The winning students’ artwork was used on posters, flyers, social media ads and other materials TDA developed to encourage students to Dive into a Healthy Breakfast.

TDA also provided schools with School Breakfast Week menus featuring recipes using Texas agricultural products. Schools have participation charts displayed in elementary cafeterias so children can track the school’s breakfast participation this week, and selfie backdrops are being used at middle and high schools where students can take their pictures and share the images on social media using hashtags like #TXSBW2018. All these materials support school nutrition teams and their work to energize students’ appreciation for the nutritious and appealing breakfasts served in Texas schools. 

Texas school nutrition professionals work hard to prepare appealing meals that meet federal nutrition standards. Teaching children about healthy lifestyle choices, including eating fresh Texas foods, is another key ingredient of the work they do. By participating in School Breakfast Week and other initiatives, including TDA’s Farm Fresh Fridays and October’s Farm Fresh Challenge, 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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