From: Cacyce Davis, Elmore County Child Nutrition Director
Elmore County Child Nutrition
Elmore County Public Schools will celebrate National School Breakfast Week (March 2–6, 2026) with a district-wide event titled “The Enchanted Breakfast Quest,” highlighting the important role school breakfast plays in fueling student learning and success.
Throughout the week, students will participate in a storybook-themed adventure tied to the national theme, “The Quest for School Breakfast.” Each day features a mystery clue, a themed breakfast delivered directly to classrooms, and literacy connections through Read Across America.
A special focus of the week will be Wake-Up Wednesday – Hats On for Breakfast Day, part of Alabama’s statewide Built by School Breakfast campaign. On this day, students wear hats to show they are “built” for success by a nutritious breakfast that fuels both mind and body.
This year’s celebration also serves as an opportunity to thank Alabama leaders for their continued support of school breakfast programs.
Last year, Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature provided $7.3 million in state funding to help close the reimbursement gap for districts offering universal free breakfast. That investment made it possible for many schools across the state to expand access and ensure more students start their day nourished and ready to learn.
“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Ivey and our legislators for recognizing the importance of school breakfast,” said Cacyce Davis, Child Nutrition Director for Elmore County Public Schools and President of the Alabama School Nutrition Association. “Their leadership helped strengthen programs across Alabama and ensured more students had access to a strong start each morning.”
However, continued support is needed to sustain and expand those efforts.
School nutrition programs are requesting that state funding be increased to $14 million to fully bridge the reimbursement gap and ensure that all Alabama students have access to breakfast at no charge, regardless of zip code or district funding model.
“Breakfast should not depend on where a child lives,” Davis added. “When students eat breakfast, we see improved concentration, better attendance, stronger academic performance, and fewer behavior issues. An investment in breakfast is an investment in Alabama’s future.”
Research shows students who eat school breakfast are:
• More likely to meet academic benchmarks
• Better able to focus and retain information
• Less likely to visit the nurse
• More prepared to fully engage in the school day
By expanding funding to $14 million, Alabama can remove financial barriers, support districts facing rising food and labor costs, and ensure sustainable access to free breakfast for every student statewide.
During The Enchanted Breakfast Quest, students will enjoy creative menu items such as Breakfast Bento Boxes, Dragon’s Fire Fuel Sausage Biscuits, Unicorn Confetti Pancakes, and a Hero’s Feast Grits Bowl — all reinforcing the message that school breakfast fuels learning, growth, and achievement.
“Every great quest begins with a strong start,” Davis said. “We are proud to celebrate National School Breakfast Week and to continue advocating for policies that ensure every Alabama student begins the day nourished and ready to succeed.”
