The Los Alamitos Unified School District has launched a school breakfast program at three schools with plans to expand it district-wide. Los Alamitos Elementary and McAuliffe Middle School offer breakfast before school, and McGaugh Elementary offers food both before school and during morning recess.
“We are excited to offer breakfast to students on three school campuses as it is widely acknowledged to be the most important meal of the day,” said Ondrea Reed, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services. “Research indicates that eating breakfast has a positive effect on children’s cognitive performance, particularly in memory and attention.”
In addition, having the option of breakfast at school can relieve a lot of stress for busy families, said Celeste Calubaquib, Director of Food Services for the district.
The breakfast menu includes cereal or an entrée, such as French Toast, omelet wrap, or breakfast pizza. Fresh fruit and cheese are also offered each day. Entrees rotate on a two-week cycle. Menus for both elementary and middle school breakfast can be found online at https://bit.ly/2QaIdZU.
Breakfast costs $2.25, but free and reduced-cost meal eligibility also applies to breakfast so that all students can afford to eat if they choose. No sign up is needed; teachers ask the day before who will be eating breakfast so that the district knows how much to cook. Food is prepared at each school site.
On a chilly recent morning, an enthusiastic group of breakfast patrons proclaimed the chocolate chip muffins and the chocolate chip pancakes to be the best of the menu offerings. Why? “Because they have chocolate!” said one girl, giggling.
