Halifax County Schools has been awarded the NC Innovative School Breakfast Grant, which totals $47,400, as part of Governor Roy Cooper's initiative to expand access to healthy school breakfasts across North Carolina.
“This grant will significantly enhance efforts to ensure that every student starts their day ready to learn,” the school system said.
Through these grants, more than 51,000 students in 42 public school districts and charter schools statewide will benefit from improved access to nutritious breakfast options.
"At Halifax County Schools, we recognize the vital role nutrition plays in our students' educational journey," said Superintendent Eric Cunningham. "This grant will allow us to implement innovative breakfast models, such as Breakfast in the Classroom, Second Chance Breakfast, and Grab and Go Breakfast, to ensure that all our students have the fuel they need to succeed."
The grants, funded through federal funds allocated by Cooper, will enable Halifax County Schools to purchase kitchen equipment to increase meal preparation capacity and serving equipment for efficient meal distribution. “These investments will expand access to healthy meals and enhance our students' overall dining experience,” the school system said.
Tierriaqua Jones, director of school nutrition, said, "Halifax County Schools is focused on increasing the breakfast participation at each of our schools. Offering second chance breakfast, or Breakfast After the Bell will provide those who missed breakfast another opportunity to receive a meal prior to lunch.”
Jones said, “The convenience of the mobile breakfast stations allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in serving meals to the students. This will also help reduce wait times, minimize overcrowding, and provide an opportunity for effective learning outcomes during instructional time from the correlation between their nutritional status and academic performance.”
Said Jones: “We strive to continue providing access to nutritious meals amid the socioeconomic disparities within the community.”