Pulaski County declares March “School Breakfast Month;” will present proclamation to Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance on March 15
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. (March 13, 2023) – Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde has declared the month of March “School Breakfast Month” and will present the proclamation to Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance while USDA representatives and local child nutrition specialists are in attendance.
The presentation will be on Wednesday, March 15 at 10 a.m. in the Quorum Court at the Pulaski County Administration Building (201 S. Broadway, Little Rock, Ark.).
Representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) Southwest Region will join child nutrition directors from Pulaski County for the proclamation presentation. Following the presentation, the USDA-FNS will conduct a Healthy Kids Initiative discussion session with local child nutrition professionals.
Research proves school breakfast participation can lead to better attendance, fewer trips to the school nurse, and improved classroom attention and behavior—all leading to better test scores and even improved graduation rates. School Breakfast month highlights the role that the USDA’s School Breakfast Program plays in ensuring that all Arkansas students are healthy, active, and ready to learn every day so they can thrive.
The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance has sponsored School Breakfast Month each year since 2010, when the Alliance became the lead partner for the No Kid Hungry Campaign in Arkansas.
“School breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” said Patty Barker, No Kid Hungry Arkansas Campaign Director for the Alliance, “especially for students who qualify for free or reduced meals.” This year, the Alliance partnered with Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Child Nutrition Unit and the Arkansas School Nutrition Association to help celebrate School Breakfast Month.
“No child should ever go hungry,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “Initiatives like School Breakfast Month and Pulaski County’s partnership with Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance are just some of the ways we can raise awareness about and address child hunger.”
In June 2022, Pulaski County Quorum Court provided $500,000 to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance to facilitate the Pulaski County Hunger Reduction Initiative, which provides direct support to food pantries serving the County.
About the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance:
The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is a collaborative statewide voice advancing equitable solutions to hunger. Our vision is to create a hunger free Arkansas. Founding members include the Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock, Food Bank of North Central Arkansas in Mountain Home, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas in Jonesboro, Harvest Regional Food Bank in Texarkana, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in Bethel Heights, and River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith. We invite you to visit ARHungerAlliance.org for details on hunger relief programs, donor, and volunteer opportunities.
