Better Breakfast for Your Family!

September is Better Breakfast Month, the perfect time to celebrate the day’s most important meal. In this month’s newsletter, we explore why breakfast is important for growing children, share some nutritious breakfast ideas, and offer tips for back-to-school breakfasts.

The Benefits of Breakfast for Kids:

Breakfast isn’t just another meal – it’s an essential part of our children’s day. Here’s why:

Fuel for the Day: Just like a car needs fuel to go, our bodies need energy to kickstart the day. Breakfast provides the necessary fuel to fuel our children’s bodies and brains for the adventures ahead.

Improved Focus: Eating breakfast helps kids concentrate better in school. When their bellies are full, they can focus on learning and solving problems more effectively.

Growth and Development: Breakfast supplies the essential nutrients our kids need to grow strong muscles, bones, and brains. It’s like giving them the building blocks they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

Mood Booster: A nutritious breakfast can put a smile on our children’s faces and set a positive tone for the day. When they start their day with a satisfying meal, they’re happier and more ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.

Nutritious Breakfast Ideas:

When it comes to breakfast for kids, the goal is to provide a balanced meal that keeps their growing bodies fueled throughout the morning. Here are some delicious and nutritious options:

Whole Grain Goodness: Foods like oatmeal, whole grain cereals, and whole wheat toast are packed with fiber and keep our kids feeling full and satisfied.

Protein Power: Include protein-rich foods like eggs, yogurt, and nut butter into breakfast. Protein helps build and repair muscles, keeping our kids strong and healthy.

Fruit and Veggie Fun: Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables add a pop of color to breakfast. They’re full of vitamins and minerals that support overall health and well-being.

Dairy Delights: Don’t forget about dairy! Milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D, essential for strong bones and teeth.

Looking for recipes and inspiration? Check out

• Food Hero Breakfast Recipes

• WIC Easy Breakfasts

Need food right now?

Food pantries, pick-up sites and delivery options: Oregon Food Bank’s network of 1,400+ partner pantries and food assistance sites are open across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Many offer drive/walk-up or direct delivery options. Visit The Oregon Food Bank website for local locations, or call 2-1-1 for help.

Want ongoing help with groceries?

SNAP (formerly food stamps) helps you buy groceries. Find all the information you need at where you can apply for SNAP, cash, child care and domestic violence assistance all in one application. Dial 211 or call your local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office with questions.

WIC offers healthy food and nutrition and breastfeeding support for families with kids under age 5 and for pregnant women. Go to the WIC website and click the WIC Interest Form button. You can also call 2-11 and ask to speak with a maternal and child health specialist. New participants are welcome!

Need more information on resources?

For more information on food and other resources, including health care, visit benefits.oregon.gov.

You can contact 211info by calling 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898211, or visiting 211info.org.

Tips for Back-to-School Breakfasts:

As we transition back into the school routine, here are some helpful tips for making breakfast a breeze:

Plan Ahead: Take a few minutes each week to plan out breakfast options for the upcoming week. Preparing ingredients or meals in advance can save time on busy mornings.

Keep it Simple: Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. Aim for a balanced meal that includes a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Quick and easy options like yogurt with granola or a peanut butter banana smoothie are nutritious and convenient.

Think Outside the Cereal Box: While cereal can be an easy option, don’t be afraid to mix it up with other breakfast ideas. Leftover dinner items like pizza or burritos can be reheated, or try overnight oats for a no-cook option ready to grab and go.

Get the Kids Involved: Let your kids help prepare breakfast. Not only does it teach them valuable life skills, but it also encourages them to try new foods and flavors. Let them help mix pancake batter, assemble breakfast

wraps, or create their own fruit smoothie concoctions.

Make it a Family Affair: Use breakfast time to connect as a family. Turn off screens and distractions, and enjoy a meal together before heading out the door.

Eat at School: Over 300,000 Oregon kids are eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program, but less than half of eligible students participate. If you do not receive a form called the “Oregon Confidential Household Application for Free and Reduced Priced Meals” from your child’s school, you can complete it online in English or Spanish at www.tinyurl.com/OregonMeals

Better Breakfast Month reminds us to start our family’s day with a nutritious meal. By fueling our children’s bodies and brains with a balanced breakfast, we set them up for a day filled with energy, growth, and success. So, let’s celebrate Better Breakfast Month by making breakfast a priority in our homes and helping our kids start each day off right.

Pollywog Family 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, LM-132 Albany, OR 97321

541-917-4884, pollywog@linnbenton.edu

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