Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet there are children in Paterson starting their days hungry. More than 85% of students in Paterson are eligible for free/reduced breakfasts, but the district is only serving 30% of them. Too many of our children are going to school hungry. For some, breakfast at school on Monday will be their first nutritious meal in days. All of our children deserve a healthy start.

Research shows that children who miss breakfast have slower memory recall, make errors and are more likely to be either absent or tardy and to repeat a grade. Eating breakfast helps children perform better academically, reduces behavioral problems in class, and sets the stage for healthy eating in life. A healthy breakfast is a critical part of what Paterson children need from Paterson Schools in order to succeed.