The morning began as it always does in Anna Tosick’s classroom at Kona Pacific Public Charter School with speech exercises, singing and chanting. But before the pencils, papers and books appeared Monday, the eighth-graders sat at their desks enjoying a free healthy meal consisting of a frittata, rice, fruit and milk. Kona Pacific is the first public school in Hawaii to offer breakfast in the classroom to all of its students, regardless of their ability to pay. It joined the breakfast club, a movement that’s growing as more states, cities and school districts in the nation that have initiated similar breakfasting efforts. Such free morning meal programs have been shown to support academic achievement, improve children’s health and well-being, as well as help struggling families and those who must commute a long distance to school save time and money. These programs are also helping reduce the stigma attached to eating breakfast at school as being something only for poor children. At Kona Pacific, approximately two-thirds of its students are at risk for being or are food insecure. Concerns were expressed for several students who hadn’t eaten prior to being given snacks and how those hungry students cannot be expected to learn or even concentrate for a long school day without proper nutrition, said Chris Hecht, the school’s executive director. For the Kona Pacific staff, breakfast at school was more than food for thought; it was a sustainable solution to helping combat childhood hunger and promote lifelong healthy eating habits. They felt their school was in a unique position in playing a vital role in addressing a solvable problem and a basic human need, as well as making a meaningful impact in their community, Hecht said. Without hesitation and with steadfast passion, Kona Pacific took up this effort, despite its overall funding being down about a third since the school opened six years ago, he added. With support of the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Kona Pacific piloted a breakfast program in three classrooms in May during the 2013-14 school year. During that three-week period, teachers observed “profound and visible changes” in the 72 students, including an increased ability to focus and participate in class, as well as increased attendance and punctuality, said Usha Kotner, school director.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 20:30:00 +0000
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