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The Power of a Nutritious Fiber-Rich School Breakfast

Writer: Michelle SaletanMichelle Saletan
Children sit at a blue table with yellow chairs, enjoying breakfast. The setting is bright and cheerful, with cartoon decals on the window.

Every morning, millions of students step into classrooms ready to learn, grow, and thrive. But for many, one key ingredient for success is missing—a nutritious breakfast. National School Breakfast Week is the perfect time to highlight the importance of a balanced morning meal and the role schools play in ensuring every child starts their day nourished and ready to excel.


A Balanced Breakfast Fuels Learning

Heart-shaped bowl with colorful fruit slices (banana, blueberry, kiwi, dragon fruit, mango, grapefruit) on a blue background, nuts and seeds nearby.

A well-balanced breakfast isn’t just about filling an empty stomach—it’s about fueling the brain. Studies show that students who eat a nutritious breakfast rich in whole, plant-based foods are better able to focus, retain information, and perform well in reading and math. Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains and fruit, provide steady energy and support cognitive function, setting students up for success in the classroom and beyond.


School Breakfast Supports Lifelong Health

Girl smiling and talking in a cafeteria, wearing a white shirt. Breakfast Trays with fruits and vegetables on the table. Bright and cheerful setting.

The benefits of a nutritious school breakfast extend far beyond the school day. When students have access to wholesome, minimally processed foods each morning, they build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.


A breakfast rich in fiber, vitamins, and essential nutrients helps maintain steady energy levels and reduces the risk of diet-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease. By prioritizing nutrient-rich options, schools can play a key role in shaping a healthier future for all students.


The School Breakfast Program Makes a Difference

Every school day, the School Breakfast Program serves 15 million breakfasts to students across the country. This vital program ensures that children—regardless of their family’s financial situation—have access to the nourishment they need to thrive. Schools that prioritize whole grains and fruits in their breakfast menus create an environment where students can develop a positive relationship with food while receiving the essential nutrients their growing bodies need.


Encouraging Participation in a Healthier Future

Child in a denim jacket eats a blueberry from a white lunch tray with various foods. Background includes colorful breakfast boxes.

Despite the benefits, many students miss breakfast due to busy mornings or lack of access to options at home. Skipping breakfast has even been linked to poor mental health. Schools can help bridge this gap by making breakfast easily available and ensuring meals are rich in fiber and essential nutrients. When students start the day with a wholesome meal, they are better equipped to concentrate, participate, and succeed.


This National School Breakfast Week, let’s celebrate the power of a healthy morning meal and advocate for nutritious, accessible breakfasts for every student. When we prioritize balanced, plant-forward foods, we’re not just feeding kids—we’re fueling their futures.


Join the Movement!


Let’s build a game plan together to encourage your local schools to serve fiber-rich, plant-powered breakfasts that help students thrive by connecting with our team.



Together, we can ensure that every child starts their day with the nourishment they need to succeed!

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