February brings several important health-related awareness topics, including Heart Health, Children’s Dental Health, Self-Care, and Cancer Prevention. One that we proudly support and provide all year long at MCC is National Hot Breakfast Month. While not all school breakfasts include hot items, we do offer well-rounded, healthy breakfasts every day for all grade levels.
Students who enjoy a balanced breakfast begin their day with the benefit of fueling their brains with glucose, which supports better concentration. Eating breakfast can improve behavior, attendance, and overall physical health by preventing energy crashes and helping establish healthy habits. Starting the day with breakfast also kickstarts metabolism, which can contribute to improved academic success and overall well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, students who eat a healthy breakfast have demonstrated higher scores in math and reading. Additionally, breakfast increases alertness, focus, positive mood, and the ability to manage frustration. These healthy habits can carry into adulthood and help reduce weight-related challenges later in life.
Being ready to learn each day is something we strive for at MCC. Mornings can be busy, buses arrive early for some households, and it can be challenging to get students out the door with a well-rounded breakfast from home. We are grateful to offer every MCC student a free breakfast served daily in our cafeteria. Central High School begins at 7:30 a.m., and West Elementary begins serving breakfast at 7:45 a.m. On TNT and late-start days, a grab-and-go breakfast option is available for all students.
Guidelines indicate that a complete breakfast meal must include three foods, one of which must be at least ½ cup of fruit or vegetables. A complete breakfast meal is provided to each student at no cost to families, with portion sizes adjusted by grade level to meet nutrition standards. À la carte items, such as milk-only purchases or additional entrée items, are available for purchase and charged to the student’s account. Meal prices, along with monthly breakfast and lunch menus, can be found on the school’s website under the Food Service page.
We encourage all students to participate in our breakfast and lunch programs whenever possible. It is our pleasure to provide nutritious meals that support students in being their very best during the school day. School breakfasts that meet federal nutrition standards provide fiber-, calcium-, and protein-rich foods that help reduce food insecurity while supporting healthy weight maintenance and overall wellness.
School meal programs are a vital part of your student’s education. Without breakfast, students may experience fatigue, restlessness, and irritability. Encouraging your student to enjoy a healthy, well-rounded breakfast upon arrival at school can support them throughout the day while helping establish lifelong healthy habits. If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to our Food Service Director, Kerry Peterson. For questions or concerns regarding your student’s health or dietary restrictions, please contact me by phone or email.
In Health,
Desirée Haupert CCMA
Health Services Coordinator
Wellness Coordinator
Murray County Central Schools