1 week Ago
WEST SENECA, N.Y. — The West Seneca Central School District is making sure every child has breakfast if they want it.
Sue Whalen is the Food Services Director for the West Seneca Central School District . She said, "We just started grab-and-go breakfast in 2023. [It started] when our district became community eligible through the CEP program.
Now every kid has breakfast and lunch for free." This is also made possible with help from No Kid Hungry New York . Liz Lucas is the Senior Program Manager for No Kid Hungry New York.
"One in five children in New York State are facing hunger. We know families are struggling. We know hunger knows no boundaries and it's present in every community," Lucas said.
The program aims to increase student participation in breakfast programs by offering convenient grab-and-go meals. There are a variety of options to chose from including bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and cereal. Lucas said "it makes my heart sing to see all the kids looking at all the options and choosing what their stomach is telling them to eat.
" Whalen added, "It also takes a burden off of parents. They're all rushed in the morning and running late. Parents don't have to worry about the fact they didn't get breakfast at home because they know there's healthy options when they walk in the door here.
" The initiative will ensure that more students have access to a healthy breakfast. Whalen said, "It's an honor. It really is.
To serve these kids every day and see the smiles on their face when they get a nice healthy breakfast or lunch every day. It's priceless." One student named Avery said he loves to pick out his breakfast.
He said, "mostly I go with my friend to get yogurt. It makes me have energy." The district hopes the program will improve the classroom experience for students and ensure that all of them have access to a nutritious start to their school day.
"Teachers do definitely see a difference in the learning and the attention when the kids start their day with a good breakfast," Whalen said..
