Moses Lake School District is celebrating National School Breakfast Week March 2–6, 2026, highlighting the important role a nutritious breakfast plays in helping students start their day ready to learn.

Each morning across the district, hundreds of students begin their day with balanced meals that include whole grains, fresh fruit, protein options, and milk — meals carefully planned to meet federal nutrition guidelines while fueling focus and academic engagement.

“Learning doesn’t start when the bell rings — it starts with a healthy breakfast,” said Ryan Shannon, director of public relations for Moses Lake School District. “When students begin their day nourished and supported, they’re better prepared to engage, grow, and achieve. National School Breakfast Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the essential role nutrition plays in student success.”

In addition to celebrating nutritious meals, the district is once again partnering with local first responders throughout the week. Police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel began visiting schools Monday morning to help serve breakfast and greet students as they start their day. If first responders were not at your child’s school Monday, they are scheduled to visit additional campuses throughout the week.

“These partnerships are powerful for our students,” said Scott West, executive director of safety and well-being. “When our local first responders step into our schools to serve breakfast, they’re building relationships, strengthening trust, and showing students that their community supports them.”

According to Mel Lopez, the district’s food services director, school breakfast provides a meaningful nutritional boost that many students might otherwise miss.

“School breakfast is an easy and delicious way for kids to get a head start on the day’s nutritional requirements by providing foods that most kids don’t eat enough of,” Lopez said. “Each of our kitchens works very hard to provide the nutrition students need every day.”

Lopez noted that students who eat school breakfast begin their day with:

• Half of the fruit they need for the entire day

• 40 percent of the dairy foods they need

• One-third of the whole grains they need

Access to breakfast is a key part of the district’s commitment to supporting the whole child. Research shows that students who eat breakfast are more likely to demonstrate improved concentration, stronger attendance, and higher academic performance. By ensuring students have access to nutritious morning meals, the district works to remove barriers to learning and create equitable opportunities for success.

Families are encouraged to talk with their students about starting the day with a balanced meal and to explore the breakfast options available at their school.

Moses Lake School District remains committed to providing high-quality meals in welcoming environments so every student has the opportunity to start their day strong — because when students are nourished, they are better positioned to learn, grow, and thrive.

For more information about school meals and breakfast options, visit Food Services or contact your child’s school office.