School Breakfast for All Campaign – School Meals for All New Jersey

School Breakfast for All

The Next Stop On the Road To School Meals for All

Research shows that students who start the day with breakfast do better in school and have better health outcomes. But for many New Jersey families, providing a healthy morning meal each day isn’t an option.

Childhood food insecurity in New Jersey has increased significantly, from 9% in 2020 to 13.5% in 2023. Meaning 272,000 children across the state lack consistent access to enough food.

The latest ALICE report finds that 36% of NJ households don’t earn enough to cover basic needs. As costs continue to climb, even families who earn too much to qualify for free school meals struggle to afford breakfast at school or provide one at home.

Childhood food insecurity in New Jersey has increased significantly, from 9% in 2020 to 13.5% in 2023. Meaning 272,000 children across the state lack consistent access to enough food.

The Solution: School Breakfast for All

A permanent, statewide School Breakfast for All program is the natural next step in the state’s commitment to ensuring every child in New Jersey can focus, learn, and thrive. Although New Jersey has been a leader in food security initiatives, we lag behind our neighbors in Pennsylvania and Delaware, who’ve already implemented free school breakfast policies.

School Breakfast Benefits

Simplified access for families: A statewide program removes the burden of navigating complex eligibility rules. When breakfast is free for everyone, no family falls through the cracks due to confusion, paperwork, or stigma.

Better learning outcomes: Students who eat breakfast exhibit improved behavior, attendance, and academic performance, as well as stronger memory, better problem-solving skills, and fewer disciplinary actions.

Healthier, happier students: School breakfasts meet strict national nutrition standards, and participation is linked to reduced hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression.

Reduced hunger and increased equity: Free school breakfast provides a dependable daily meal for food-insecure children, removing income-based barriers.

School Breakfast Benefits

Simplified access for families: A statewide program removes the burden of navigating complex eligibility rules. When breakfast is free for everyone, no family falls through the cracks due to confusion, paperwork, or stigma.

Better learning outcomes: Students who eat breakfast exhibit improved behavior, attendance, and academic performance, as well as stronger memory, better problem-solving skills, and fewer disciplinary actions.

Healthier, happier students: School breakfasts meet strict national nutrition standards, and participation is linked to reduced hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression.

Reduced hunger and increased equity: Free school breakfast provides a dependable daily meal for food-insecure children, removing income-based barriers.

Ways You Can Support School Meals for All NJ

Whether you represent an organization, want to lend your voice as an individual or make a gift, there are several ways to help advance School Meals for All New Jersey and expand access to no-cost school meals.

Organizational Sign-on

Join the growing network of organizations advocating for School Meals for All in NJ.

Individual Sign-on

Sign-on to show state leaders that NJ residents support School Meals for All.

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