Freshly brewed coffee, the sweet smell of baked cinnamon coffee cake, and the savory aroma of breakfast greeted parents at Birney Elementary this week.
“My twins eat two to three times at the school cafeteria. They love socializing with their friends,” said Daysy Meza. “I noticed my kids are moody and not as energetic when they haven’t had breakfast, so we wake up earlier on those days so they can have a healthy meal at school. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!”
Parents and students gathered bright and early in the lunch arbor to celebrate National School Breakfast Week (March 2-6), highlighting the important role a healthy breakfast plays in student success. Research shows that students who eat school breakfast perform better in the classroom, have fewer absences, and behave better.
As part of the National School Breakfast celebration, Sandi Coast Cafe visited Birney Elementary in University Heights to host a special event called “Breakfast With a Loved One,” where parents joined their kids to sample new menu entrées. This pilot is designed to strengthen community connections and encourage families to take advantage of the nutritious breakfast options offered throughout San Diego Unified.
“I love the cinnamon roll and the Go-GURT,” said Mariel Meza, a first grader at Birney.
The Meza family enjoying breakfast at Birney Elementary during National School Breakfast Week.
Nearby, the PTA huddled around trays with egg & cheese croissants and fresh fruit that sparked conversations about mindful eating, community, and weekend plans.
Graciela Rosas, the principal at Birney Elementary, said the event was a huge hit; the turnout was way higher than anticipated.
“Parents loved tasting the new breakfast items and appreciated time spent with their kids,” said Rosas. “We sold out of the croissant sandwiches and the whole-grain cinnamon coffee cake before the bell rang.”
For some families, school breakfast is more than convenient. It impacts their budget.
“We have two kids. Weekly meals for a family of four add up,” said Jose Meza. “Breakfast at school means small savings for our family in the long run."
Sandi Coast Cafe introduced its spring menu lineup in February. Middle and high school students have flavorful new choices as well, including a cherry vanilla smoothie bowl, savory chilaquiles, and a hearty sausage, egg, and cheese jalapeño bagel — all designed to bring big taste and variety to students’ mornings.
The nutrition staff is excited about the opportunity to continue building community while showcasing the healthy, appealing meals available each morning. When students start their day with breakfast, they’re better prepared to focus, learn, and thrive.
Article written by Leslie Luna for the San Diego Unified School District’s Strategic Communications and Information Department.