[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Working with teachers and staff, erasing the stigma of school meals, and teaching the importance of nutrition to success in schools. That’s what the Breakfast Challenge is all about.

Last month we kicked off our 2017 Breakfast Challenge with our fabulous partners Seattle Sounders FC last Friday in SeaTac. Madrona Elementary students were thrilled to have Sounders FC goalkeeper Tyler Miller and midfielder Henry Wingo serve them a healthy breakfast. At an all-school assembly, Tyler and Henry spoke about the importance of eating breakfast to be at your personal best—and demonstrated their mad soccer skills.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video title=”Check out highlights from Q-13: ” link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYArO2DZwCE&feature=youtu.be”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Research shows students who eat breakfast have better attendance, improved test scores, and are overall more likely to do better in school. All good, right?

Washington rates a dismal 41st nationwide when it comes to low-income students participating in breakfast and lunch programs. Only nine states are doing worse than Washington. Nine.

What does this ranking look like in classrooms? It looks like just one-third of kids who get school lunch also get school breakfast. It’s there—they just don’t know about it, don’t want it because they’re embarrassed, or arrive on the bus too late to eat it. Those are the simple barriers.

Local schools are challenged to reduce these barriers and get more students across King County eating breakfast at school every morning. Schools with the most students participating will win prizes from Sounders FC and money for their schools.

The big picture of our hunger work

The Breakfast Challenge is part of our larger Fuel Your Future work to feed kids. This in turn helps families stay financially stable.

Who’s making this happen? First, donors. You! Second, AmeriCorps service members are in schools helping teachers and kids figure out the best way to do breakfast in their school. It’s a team effort we’re so grateful you’re part of.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]