By

Michelle Beer,   Zelma Hutsell Elementary School

Play:

Breakfast – Grab and Go!

Topics:

Access to Healthy Foods, Community Involvement, Student Leadership, Success with Funds,  Teamwork

This year at Hutsell Elementary, students were able to participate in Grab N' Go Breakfast thanks to a generous grant from Fuel Up to Play 60 and Dairy Max. Students who arrive to campus late are still able to grab breakfast and take it with them "to go" to their classrooms. This program started on October 31, 2016, but has already seen tremendous results!

How did you accomplish your goals?

I have the support of a wonderful administration team and the full support of my campus Principal, Dr. Margie Blount. Last year when I approached her about possibly starting a Grab N' Go Breakfast at Hutsell she was completely on board and excited about the idea. Mrs. Donna Pittenger, our Nutrition Services Director in Katy ISD, and Sandra Castro, my Dairy Max rep worked with me to put together a winning grant so that our school could participate in the program. I had a great team helping me.

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

Because we were able to purchase electronic equipment such as a scanner and computer for our breakfast station we will be able to continue our Grab N' Go Breakfast at Hutsell for many years to come. This is exciting, since we are starting many healthy new traditions at Hutsell this year. Students will be able to continue to get Grab N' Go Breakfast next year and many years in the future.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Teachers have already reported that students who get the Grab N' Go Breakfast in the morning are better focused and more attentive in the classroom. Also behavior with these students has improved. Students are not only getting a nutritional breakfast, but they are getting a new start to their day. Eating breakfast prepares them to be ready to learn and gives them energy to participate in physical activities throughout the day. Students are also reporting that they appreciate the new breakfasts.