Baltimore \u2013 \u00a0The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has awarded $7.55 million in State funds to 522 schools selected to participate in Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA), an alternative breakfast delivery program that provides students with free, in-classroom breakfast. Of the 522 schools selected for MMFA, 32 schools are additional for school year \u00a0\u00a0\u00a02019-2020.<\/p>\n
The MMFA funds supplement the federal reimbursement that school districts receive through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s School Breakfast Program. For school year 2019-2020, more than 275,500 students across Maryland will benefit from free, in-classroom breakfast through the program.<\/p>\n
Alternative breakfast delivery programs, such as MMFA, significantly contribute to increasing students\u2019 access to a healthy morning meal. In addition, due to recent legislation, participating MMFA middle and high schools have the option to serve breakfast outside of the classroom, using a \u2018Grab and Go\u2019 model. This model allows students to grab healthy meals \u201con the go\u201d from designated areas in the school to consume inside the classroom.<\/p>\n
School administrators and teachers credit MMFA with improving student academic achievement, behavior, and well-being. Advocates and parents recognize the impact MMFA has on reducing childhood hunger and assisting students\u2019 preparation for their academic day.<\/p>\n
A list of participating schools can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are equal opportunity providers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"