The mission of the School Nutrition division is to provide leadership, training and technical assistance, and resources so that local program personnel may deliver quality meals and education that contribute to the nutritional well-being of Georgians and their performance at work and school.

School Breakfast Program

Ensuring that students eat a nutritious breakfast is an important parental role. While 92% of Georgia’s schools offer breakfast, only 25% of students eat breakfast at school. The school’s breakfast program is an excellent resource to the busy parent. We encourage students to eat a nutritious breakfast at home or school.

The breakfast meal meets the required 25% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). If this meal is missed, the student starts the day off without key nutrients for growth and development needed for academic performance.

• 2005 School Breakfast Scorecard (FRAC)

School Lunch Meals

Georgia schools are held to specific nutritional standards for meals served. The lunch meal must include 30% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA).

Other foods served at school - a la carte in the cafeteria, fundraisers, school events and competitive sales - are not required to meet nutritional standards.

While there is a USDA guideline for competitive foods not to be sold during lunch, an article in the Journal of Dietetics states that only 50% of the schools are following those recommendations.

Also stated in the article from the American Dietetic Association journal, 89% of snacks in middle school student stores were high in fat and/or high in sugar. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that when healthy snacks are provided at an economic price, then these foods are selected.

In looking at the health of children the basic need for water intake should not be overlooked. Water is a very important nutrient and is necessary for the body’s daily functions. Hydration needs to be encouraged along with adequate restroom breaks. Adequate hydration is necessary for blood to carry oxygen to the brain.