David P. Driscoll was honored today for his leadership that has resulted in one million more breakfasts for Massachusetts children. Project Bread saluted Commissioner Driscoll in the Revere High School cafeteria today for his efforts in stressing the importance of a good breakfast, and his leadership that has led to more students participating in the program since state initiatives were introduced in 1986. One of those factors is a good breakfast and lunch.
Research shows that eating a good breakfast and lunch helps students learn.
At the ceremony today, complete with a healthy breakfast courtesy of Revere High School, eight school districts were touted for their efforts in increasing participation in the school breakfast program. The districts, in addition to Revere , were Boston, Chicopee, Lawrence, Orange, Quincy, Springfield, and Taunton . Commissioner Driscoll noted that it has been a concerted effort on the behalf of the Department of Education's Nutrition staff, Project Bread, the State Legislature, Superintendents and local leaders that have led to the increased participation in the school breakfast program. Last fall, Commissioner Driscoll launched a Superintendents' School Breakfast Campaign to highlight the program's importance and provide models for schools to use. One consistently effective strategy for increasing student participation in school breakfast is universal free breakfast, free breakfast for all students regardless of family income.