COMMENTARY: BOB WILLIAMS Corbett inconsistent on pensions

Don’t tell them to slow down

First Posted: 3/17/2014 Governor:
Kids need
breakfast
As parents, grandparents and former school teachers, first lady Susan Corbett and I understand the importance of a healthy breakfast. That is why we enthusiastically agreed to co-chair the Pennsylvania School Breakfast Challenge, an initiative launched in partnership with nonprofit advocacy organizations and service providers, as well as with the support of corporate sponsors.
The sole purpose of the challenge is to help all students start off their day right.
Statewide, nearly 750,000 public school students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school. While participation in the lunch program is quite strong, the share of low-income students who eat breakfast at school lags.
This must change. As governor, I am dedicated to working with our public and private partners across the commonwealth to address this critical issue.
Recent studies show that many children skip breakfast, which has negative consequences for their cognitive functioning and health. The School Breakfast Program can help reverse that trend by providing students with the nutrition they need to focus and learn in class. A wealth of research shows that students who eat school breakfast have improved reading and math skills and higher scores on standardized tests, as well as decreased behavioral problems, visits to the school nurse and tardiness.
Through our efforts, the Pennsylvania School Breakfast Challenge has enrolled nearly 900 schools committed to improving their school breakfast participation. The challenge currently involves more than 600,000 students in every corner of the commonwealth, from Punxsutawney to Scranton. Schools that achieve the largest gains in participation will be eligible for prizes, but every school across the state will be rewarded by the positive impacts of a nutritious breakfast for our children.
The first lady and I are honored to co-chair this initiative. Together we can help all children in the commonwealth live healthy and productive lives.
To learn more about the Pennsylvania School Breakfast Challenge please visit www.hungercoalition.org/breakfast.
Gov. Tom Corbett 
Harrisburg

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