Press Release: Nearly 500 Schools Share In $6.9 Million For Maryland Meals For Achievement

Funds Supplement School Breakfast Program

For Immediate Release                                          

Contact: William Reinhard, 410-767-0486, Bruce Schenkel, 410-767-0225

Baltimore, MD (September 24, 2015)

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has awarded $6.9 million in State funds to 471 schools selected to participate in Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA), an alternative breakfast delivery program that provides students with free, in-classroom breakfast.

The funds supplement the federal reimbursement schools receive through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Breakfast Program. For School Year 2015-2016, 243,295 students across the State will benefit from the Program.

Schools are selected annually by MSDE based on the amount of State funds available. Maryland law requires the selection of schools to represent geographic and socioeconomic balance. Previous participation in MMFA and the priorities of county food and nutrition service directors is also considered in the selection process.

Since 1996, national School Breakfast participation has more than doubled. During that same period, participation in Maryland has more than tripled. Alternative breakfast delivery methods, such as MMFA, contribute to this significant growth by improving students’ access to a healthful morning meal. 

School administrators and teachers credit MMFA with improving student test scores, behavior and well-being. Parents praise the Program for assisting children prepare for their academic day.

A list of participating schools, can be found here.

The Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are equal opportunity providers and employers.

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