All Long County schools recently took part in the 25th anniversary of National School Breakfast Week.  
The goal of the week-long celebration was to inform students, parents and the community of  the importance of eating a healthy breakfast.  This year, the theme for the week was “Take Time for School Breakfast.”  
Each school commemorated the occasion by providing free breakfast to students throughout the week. In addition, volunteers and parents from the community got up every morning to serve hot breakfast to students.  
At Smiley Elementary School, a poster contest, sponsored by the school nutrition program, was held. At the middle and high schools, raffle tickets were given to students every morning when they ate their breakfast, with prizes given out.
“We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Trying to encourage students to eat breakfast can sometimes be a challenge, but we are working hard to educate the students about the advantages of eating breakfast in the morning,” School Nutrition Director Stephanie Fox said.
Fox said that many people do not realize that breakfast is necessary to refuel their bodies after they have rested through the night. She said that by eating a healthy meal first thing in the morning, students can increase their energy, have improved concentration and earn better grades.
“Breakfast is one of the best ways to recharge your batteries, and students who eat breakfast are known to perform better academically,” Fox said.
The Long County schools offer breakfast to their students, Fox said, which can help parents in the morning as they prepare for work and get their kids ready for school. She said that parents who have their children eat breakfast at school can be assured that they are being fed a healthy meal. Each school meal served meets federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories and sodium, Fox added.
Volunteers for the special week included deputies from the Long County Sheriff’s Office and firefighters from the Ludowici/Long County Fire Department.  
For more information on the Long County school-nutrition program, call 545-7818 or email sfox@long.k12.ga.us.