First Lady O'Malley Serves Breakfast at Barclay Elementary
Celebrates one year anniversary of the Partnership to End Childhood Hunger; recognizes "Maryland Hunger Awareness Week"
ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 19, 2009) – First Lady Katie O’Malley today served breakfast to students at Barclay Elementary School and spoke to them on the importance of eating well-balanced, nutritious meals in order to be successful in school, and Maryland’s commitment to ensure that no child goes without the basic nourishment needed to thrive.
“A lot of kids across the country aren’t able to get the vitamins and minerals they need to grow up smart and strong. It’s a problem we’re working very hard to address here in Maryland,” said First Lady Katie O’Malley. “That’s why Governor O’Malley designated this week ‘Maryland Hunger Awareness Week,’ and why he has formed a Partnership with Share Our Strength to End Childhood Hunger in Maryland by 2015. That’s a big goal, but there are some important strategies in place to make sure we help our kids and our families throughout Maryland get the nutritious food they need in order to thrive.”
Last week, Governor O’Malley announced that this week, November 16 through 20, will be “Maryland Hunger Awareness Week” and celebrated the one year anniversary of the Partnership to End Childhood Hunger.
Approximately 152,000 children live below the poverty line in Maryland, and nearly 87,000 Maryland households have children who participate in the Food Supplement Program. The goal of the Partnership is to make Maryland the first state in the nation to end childhood hunger within its borders.
“We appreciate First Lady O'Malley's support of the school breakfast program which provides a balanced meal for students who otherwise might not eat in the morning,” said Rosemary Johnston, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Children, the office charged with overseeing the Partnership. “Eating breakfast at school has been shown to enhance academic performance, reduce absenteeism, and improve student behavior.”
The Share Our Strength programs have greatly aided in Maryland’s goal to end childhood hunger. Thirty-five percent of the students in Maryland were eligible for free or reduce-priced meals during the 2008-2009 school year. Maryland served 2,268,550 summer meals at nearly 900 sites in summer 2008; federal reimbursement totaled over $5.5 million. Last year, the program helped nearly 60,000 Maryland students return to school in the fall ready to learn. Maryland served 73.1 million lunches through the National School Lunch Program during the 2007-2008 school year.
The state of Maryland is continuously expanding its efforts to end hunger throughout Maryland by 2015 and to provide its students with nutritious foods and healthy eating habits. During the 2009-2010 school year, the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program will be in 69 schools in 18 districts. This program is part of the federal Farm Bill, and it targets schools with a high percentage of low-income students. The fruits and vegetables served are in addition to those served as part of regular nutrition programs.