Grab and Go Breakfast in Huntington UFSD

Huntington UFSD is offering all students free “grab and go breakfast” options that meet nutritional standards and are sure to appeal to a variety of tastes. Nutritious, convenient and USDA approved, the breakfast choices should be tempting.

“As we prepare for the start of a new school year, our Food & Nutrition Department is excited to continue offering Grab and Go Breakfast options for all students,” School Lunch Manager Lauren. “These breakfasts are designed to be both convenient and nourishing, ensuring that every student begins the school day ready to learn.

What makes Huntington UFSD’s program stand out is the assurance that every item served meets the strict nutrition standards set forth by the National School Breakfast Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While items may look similar to those you’d find in a grocery store, they are specially formulated to meet federal nutrition guidelines; especially when it comes to sugar content.

How Breakfast Items Meet Federal Standards

• Cereal – Unlike many store-bought cereals, school breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of added sugar per dry ounce.

• Yogurt – Yogurt served in Huntington UFSD provides protein and calcium, while keeping sugar levels in check. Regulations require no more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces—equivalent to 2 grams per ounce.

• Milk – All fluid milk must be fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1 percent fat or less), according to the USDA. Flavored milk must contain no more than 10 grams of added sugars per 8 fluid ounces in primary and intermediate schools, or 15 grams per 12 fluid ounces for beverages sold at the middle and high school level.

• Grains – At least 80 percent of grains offered weekly must be whole grain-rich.

Breakfast Provides Benefits… Make it a Priority!

“Breakfast isn’t just the first meal of the day; it’s one of the most important tools we can give students to succeed,” Ms. Kearley said. Research has shown that students who eat a healthy breakfast experience:

• Higher Test Scores – Children who eat breakfast perform better on math and reading tests.

• Improved Attendance – Students who eat breakfast are absent and tardy less often.

• Fewer Trips to the School Nurse – Nurses report fewer hunger-related office visits when students eat breakfast.

• Improved Classroom Behavior – Principals confirm that discipline issues decrease when students start the day with a meal.

• Better Learning – Students are more focused and retain more information when they’ve had breakfast.

• More Time on Learning – When students eat, teachers can spend more time teaching and less time on discipline.

Access for All Students

“Our Grab and Go carts ensure that every child has access to breakfast, no matter what time they arrive at school each morning,” Ms. Kearley said. “We understand the importance of making sure our students receive everything they need to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom and that begins with breakfast.”

Commitment to Students

Huntington UFSD’s Grab and Go Breakfast program is designed with student well-being at the center. Whether a student chooses cereal, yogurt, or milk, parents can be confident that every item:

• Meets or exceeds USDA nutrition standards

• Supports healthy growth and development

• Provides the energy needed for learning and school activities

“We are proud to provide meals that students enjoy and families can trust,” Ms. Kearley said. “By choosing school breakfast, you are choosing a balanced, carefully regulated meal that helps fuel success—one morning at a time.”