Tuesday, August 25, 2009

"One down, 179 to go!"

This is a direct quote from one of our cafeteria managers after an amazingly smooth first day back. There's always some confusion and chaos as students and staff come back through the lunch lines, but overall I'm going to make the statement that it was the least complicated first day of school in quite awhile. Hopefully I'm not cursing upcoming days! :)

I started my day at a middle school cashiering breakfast. Breakfast participation is always a little lower than usual on the first few days of school as students adapt to new schedules, find their homerooms, and reconnect with friends.

As I looked at the lovely assortment of both hot and cold breakfast items that the manager at this school had made available, I thought it important to emphasize the importance of students (not to mention staff) eating breakfast each morning. Did you know that kids who eat breakfast are better able to focus during class and generally have better test performance than those who eat nothing? Adults who eat breakfast are generally thinner than their non-breakfast eating counterparts!

School breakfast is available to all students and staff members every morning in every school. At $0.75 for full paid status students, $0.30 for those students who qualify for reduced price meals, and $1.50 for adults, it's the best morning deal in town. Each morning we have available a minimum of one hot and cold breakfast entree (more at the middle and high schools), fresh fruit or juice, and low fat milk. Adults - sorry, but you'll need to look elsewhere for your java fix!

While we would prefer that students dine with us in the morning, we understand that many students start the day with a healthy breakfast at home. If your house is anything like mine in the morning, you don't have a lot of time for fixing breakfast. Following are a few ideas for getting good nutrition into your child in record time:



  • Make ahead and freeze items like whole grain pancakes, waffles, and muffins. Simply pop them into the microwave for a few seconds. Store bought pancakes and waffles are fine, just look for "whole grain" on the ingredient label.

  • Keep a bowl of hard boiled eggs in your fridge for an easy source of protein.

  • Keep easy to eat fresh fruit in a bowl on the counter for a healthy grab and go addition to breakfast.

  • Pre-wash and bag other fruits such as berries or grapes for eating on the way to school if this is an option.

  • Cold cereal (look for whole grain, low sugar brands) with fruit and low fat milk is a quick and easy staple (and what my children eat almost every morning!).

  • Wraps - they aren't just for lunch anymore. Top a whole grain tortilla with turkey and cheese or PB&J for a great source of protein and whole grain.

Berry Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 frozen banana, peeled and cut up
  • 1/4 cup fresh or frozen berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt

Preparation:

  • Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

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