Schools across the United States are celebrating National School Breakfast Week from March 2 to 6 to celebrate the federal School Breakfast Program (SBP), which provides nearly 12.4 million children with a nutritious morning meal each school day.

An average of 1.9 million children received school breakfast each day in California during the 2018-19 school year, providing them with the nutrition need to succeed throughout the school day. Studies show student meal programs can alleviate food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and boost learning.

The SBP is open to all enrolled children. If a child already qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches, then the child also qualifies for free or reduced-price breakfasts. School districts across the country are reducing barriers to accessing the SBP and increasing participation in school breakfast. Many are restructuring school lunch time to ensure students have enough time to eat; expanding student access to meals through programs such as Breakfast in the Classroom; and providing all students with nutrition education.