Advocates speak up for healthy school breakfasts for all Virginia students!

11 year old, Tony Brown, wants everyone to know why school breakfast for all is important to him and kids like him. Here is his story:

“I believe every student in Virginia should have free breakfast at school.

When kids are hungry, it’s really hard to focus. It’s hard to think about math, reading or science or even listen to the teacher when your stomach is growling. Hunger can make students feel tired, distracted or unprepared. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it gives us the energy we need to learn, play, think clearly and do our very best.

Not every family has time for breakfast before school. Some parents leave for work very early and drop their kids off at before-school programs around 6 a.m. That can be too early to eat a full meal. Some kids aren’t hungry that early, but are hungry later in the morning. Having breakfast at school means students can eat when they’re ready and start their day strong.

Free breakfast should be for all students in Virginia, no matter how much money their family makes. Hunger doesn’t care about income. Every kid deserves the same chance to succeed and feel prepared to learn.

School breakfast helps students with memory, focus and behavior. When we are fed, we can learn better, participate more and reach our goals.