As we all get settled into the New Year as schools begin their second half, it’s encouraging to see positive news unfolding about the benefits of school breakfast programs. From Nevada to Maryland, each has its own unique approach to boosting breakfast participation. As always, E S Foods is ready to help you make the most of your breakfast program. In fact, in 2015 we will have some exciting news (shh. . .  it’s a secret) to announce about our flagship Breakfast BREAKS brand. (Check here next week.)  But, here’s two shining examples:

• Last week in Nevada, Governor Sandoval announced a new contest throughout the state to encourage schools to increase their school breakfast programs. According to the governor’s office, Nevada currently ranks 41st in the nation for breakfast participation with a rate of just under 22%. The goal for the school breakfast challenge is to increase Nevada’s rate by 20%.  The governor has challenged all schools in the state to get more students eating breakfasts and big prizes will be awarded to schools that do so.
• Last month in Maryland, the Cecil Whig reported that 4 counties received an A+ in “Reducing Childhood Hunger with the School Breakfast Program: Maryland’s Report Card,” from Maryland Hunger Solutions, an organization aimed at ending hunger and promoting well-being in the state. The four counties were Kent,  Dorchester, Somerset and Garrett. “Expanding participation in breakfast is one of the best ways to ensure that Maryland’s children are healthy and ready to learn,” said Michael J. Wilson, director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, in a statement. “Our new report highlights two proven approaches to increasing participation in the school breakfast program — serving breakfast in the classroom and implementing the Community Eligibility Provision. More schools across Maryland should adopt these strategies so more children can start the day with breakfast.”