Aug 10 2011 --- Research performed by the National Dairy Council has found that breakfast does more than just ease hunger. With the new school year around the corner, studies show that breakfast improves memory retention, performance at school and attendance rates.

Children and adolescents who regularly eat a healthy breakfast that incorporates dairy have a higher intake of nutrients that cannot be substituted with other meals. They also consume fewer calories from fat throughout the day and are more likely to eat the suggested amount of calcium for those 4 to 18 years of age.

There is no substitute for a well-rounded breakfast, according to Alyssa Greenstein, a registered dietitian with the Dairy Council of Florida. “Children tend to eat breakfast less often as they get older, creating a tremendous opportunity to improve their diets. Not only does a healthy breakfast make their bodies stronger, it also makes them better students.” A nutrient-rich breakfast should include foods such as low-fat or fat-free dairy, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

Schools in Florida and all across the country recognize the enhanced academic benefits that breakfast provides and are making it readily available to all students in innovative and creative ways, including breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go breakfasts and breakfast at the bus loop. Specifically, the National School Breakfast Program administered at the state and federal levels has made a huge impact on students’ health and readiness to learn.