TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 4 THROUGH 8, 2019 AS "SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the School Breakfast Program has admirably served our nation since it was permanently established in 1975; and

Whereas, the School Breakfast Program is dedicated to the health and well-being of our nation's children; and

Whereas, the School Breakfast Program joins and has been joined over the years by many other excellent child nutrition programs; and

Whereas, research shows that school-aged children who experience hunger have higher levels of absenteeism, nurse's visits, and generally more challenges than children receiving a well-balanced diet; and

Whereas, frequent studies have shown that meals provided at school not only contribute to the nutritional needs of students, but also significantly increase and enhance their ability to learn; and

Whereas, the parents, teachers, and leaders of this State are endowed with the responsibility of providing the children of our communities and State with the basic resources needed to grow, learn, discover their own potential, and live happy fulfilling lives; and

Whereas, Breakfast After the Bell programs, which make breakfast part of the school day, are desirable and effective ways of ensuring more students realize the benefits of breakfast; and

Whereas, offering breakfast as part of the school day improves children's diets; builds healthy, lifelong eating habits; and allows students to begin their days focused and ready to learn. The benefits of these models are maximized when eligible schools offer free meals to all students at no cost; and

Whereas, the Community Eligibility Provision offers high-need South Carolina schools the opportunity to serve breakfast to all students at no cost and has the added benefits to schools of reducing administrative costs, eliminating the collection of paper applications, streamlining meal service operations, and increasing the reimbursements schools receive from federal child nutrition programs; and

Whereas, more than 255,129 school breakfasts are served daily to students at more than 1,191 schools in South Carolina; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the school nutrition professionals who make the School Breakfast Program work in 1,191 school sites statewide and encourage all citizens to recognize the efforts made by schools, their food service directors, and cafeteria staff to ensure the health, safety, and success of our children. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize March 4 through 8, 2019 as "School Breakfast Week" in South Carolina.