November 10, 2016

NJ Schools Missing out on $74 Million in Breakfast Funds

New Jersey schools are missing out on receiving a potential $74 million in federal funds to ensure more children begin their school day with a healthy breakfast. That’s one of the conclusions in our recent child nutrition report, which encourages schools to switch to serving breakfast after the bell. This approach significantly increases the number of children eating breakfast at school. Since districts are reimbursed based on the number of meals served, this approach also brings millions more in federal dollars into our schools.

Along with the report, ACNJ released the latest school breakfast data. We encourage school staff, parents and other community members to use the data to make the case for serving breakfast after the bell.

Find participation data and the amount of federal dollars your district could be receiving.

American Dairy Association Boosts Breakfast in Paterson.

Paterson School District recently unveiled Eastside High’s newly-restyled cafeteria, designed to entice teenagers to eat a healthy breakfast each day at school. The colorful murals, breakfast kiosks and signs promoting healthy eating are courtesy of the American Dairy Association Northeast and the New York Jets’ Fuel Up to Play 60 school wellness program. The two groups donated $17,000 to finance the renovations.

Paterson is now serving breakfast after the bell at all schools, including the high schools, significantly boosting breakfast participation. We hope more high schools follow Paterson’s lead!

Read the story.

Farm-to-School Grant Funding Now Available!

The USDA is again offering competitive grants to assist schools and state agencies in implementing farm- to-school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. Each year, USDA awards up to $5 million in competitive grants for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships and implementing farm to school programs.

Learn more.

Cities Operating and Expanding the Afterschool Meal Program

Thurs., November 17 – 1:00 p.m.
Municipal agencies often operate afterschool enrichment programs and sponsor afterschool meal sites. Local leaders are elevating the visibility of afterschool meals by promoting them to the community. Join this free webinar to hear how cities have championed and expanded the Afterschool Meal Program through strong partnerships and planning.

Register for this free webinar now.