As people worldwide anticipate the Summer 2012 Olympic Games, Texas schools are getting an early jump on the excitement during the 2012 School Breakfast Week, March 5 - 9. Taking the national “Go for Gold” theme a step further, Texas is challenging children to participate in the weeklong Breakfast Olympics, which encourages physical activity alongside healthy breakfast choices.
This week, I visited Norman Elementary School in Austin and enjoyed meeting students, teachers, administrators and the nutrition staff. It was clear, the Norman Tigers are committed to going the extra mile to eat healthy and to win in the classroom and in life. I appreciate the hospitality of all of those at the school.
Every school day, Texas serves breakfast to about 1.6 million children through the federally funded school breakfast program. Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast perform better in school and on the field of play. They also are more likely to develop healthy eating habits that will follow them into adulthood. Unfortunately, poor nutrition equals chronic diseases that ultimately cost big dollars. These costs are avoidable if we reinforce the importance of making good choices.
By embracing the 3E’s of Healthy Living — Education, Exercise and Eating Right — our children are better prepared to fight the growing obesity epidemic and less likely to be a burden on our nation’s health care system.
More than 3,400 Texas schools have pledged to participate in School Breakfast Week. For the sake of individual health and the future health of Texas, I encourage those students and their parents to make a nutritious breakfast part of the daily run for the gold.
To see more about my visit to Norman Elementary, click here for news coverage of the event.
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