Spotsylvania County Public Schools has been awarded an $8,578 grant from No Kid Hungry Virginia to support and expand its non-congregate breakfast programs. This funding is part of a $201,000 initiative benefiting 10 school districts across the state, aimed at ensuring students have access to healthy morning meals to start their day prepared for success.
The grant will enable Spotsylvania County schools to implement innovative Breakfast After the Bell initiatives, including grab-and-go meals, breakfast in the classroom, and second-chance breakfast models. These flexible options are designed to meet students where they are, addressing barriers like early bus schedules and busy mornings that often prevent participation in traditional breakfast programs.
“School breakfast helps students reach their full potential,” said Sarah Steely, Director of No Kid Hungry Virginia. “These grants will help school nutrition teams make breakfast accessible to every child, no matter their circumstances. Together, we’re working to ensure every child has the nutrition they need to thrive.”
Statewide data reveals a significant increase in breakfast participation among Virginia students, with an additional 25,000 youth accessing school breakfast last year — the largest year-over-year increase in a decade. On average, 381,200 students ate breakfast at school between September 2023 and February 2024.
Studies underscore the critical role of school breakfast in improving academic performance, focus, and attendance. However, only 42% of students eligible for free meals currently eat breakfast at school, often due to logistical and social barriers. Programs like Breakfast After the Bell help overcome these challenges by integrating breakfast into the school day.
Spotsylvania County joins other school districts across Virginia, including Fairfax County, Roanoke City, and Virginia Beach City, in receiving support from No Kid Hungry Virginia to create a more inclusive and accessible school breakfast program.
