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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Group Says N.M. Tops List in School Breakfast Participation
Associated Press
SANTA FE — New Mexico tops the list when it comes to providing school breakfasts to needy children, according to a report released by the nonprofit Food Research and Action Center.
The organization found that New Mexico had the highest ratio of low income children eating free and reduced-price breakfasts at school. For every 100 low-income children eating lunch, 61 also received breakfast during the 2006-2007 school year.
The report found that Illinois had the lowest participation rate, reaching only 32 low-income children with breakfast for every 100 who ate lunch.
New Mexico Public Education Secretary Veronica Garcia said the state's breakfast program is key in helping eliminate the achievement gap.
"Hunger is a huge obstacle for kids. It affects their concentration, energy, achievement and mental and physical development,'' she said Wednesday. "School breakfast is fantastic support for New Mexico communities.''
State education officials said $1.8 million went to support food services during the 2006-2007 school year and $2.5 million was set aside for food services this school year.
New Mexico began its program in 2004 with a legislative appropriation of $475,000, which allowed 80 schools to offer breakfast at no charge to students for the second half of the school year. The program was expanded in 2006 to 129 schools.
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