To ensure students eat before their classes, CCSD will be offering free breakfast for all students, starting today. 

“Ensuring students have a meal in the morning allows them to focus better in their classes,” CCSD Communication and Government Relations officer Mauricio Marin said. “Research has indicated that student participation in school breakfast has led to improved academic performance, reduced behavioral problems and improved nutritional status.” 

Parents received a call indicating the new policy on Feb. 27. The menu for breakfast is available online for students to review what is being served that week. 

“In the morning, I don’t always have time to make a meal and eat because I’m so rushed,” senior Maya Negash said. “I come to school early, so having the option of a free meal allows me to get the chance to eat something before my classes. Although I won’t always eat it, I have an option to eat something before [class starts].” 

Students are allowed to have one entree and two sides, with different options everyday. To accommodate different eating habits, there have been new vegetarian options added to the menu, such as egg sandwiches. 

“Sometimes kids don’t know what they’re going to eat at lunch because they can’t afford it, so I’m happy to feed whoever needs a meal,” Cafeteria Manager Rosa Hernandez said. “I’ve noticed today alone, we had about a 15 percent increase in students ordering breakfast and I expect it to steadily go up from there.”

The CCSD free breakfast policy was implemented by Superintendent Jesus Jara and it will be paid by federal subsidies received based on the amount of meals served. 

“I think the free breakfast is important because regardless of your socio-economic status you have access every morning to a free meal,” Freshman Studies and Communications teacher Henry Castillo said. “It is beneficial to have a free breakfast everyday because then students can come prepared for their classes and ready to perform.”