Anna Kournikova Visits Florida School to Promote Breakfast Program  1/11/07

Tennis Star Anna Kournikova to Honor North Palm Beach Elementary School Principal with 'got breakfast?'™ Award

Principal Bill Thompson recognized for commitment to improving health of students by implementing classroom breakfast. "got breakfast?" Foundation working to increase participation in federal school breakfast program to eliminate child hunger.

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 10, 2007 -- On January 16, 2007, tennis star Anna Kournikova and the "got breakfast?" Foundation will honor North Palm Beach Elementary School Principal Bill Thompson with a special recognition for his commitment to improving student health by encouraging participation in the Federal School Breakfast Program. Principal Thompson has led the effort to utilize the Classroom Breakfast model to serve meals at his school, which studies prove increases a child's ability to learn, improves performance and reduces health issues. Kournikova will present the special "got breakfast?" Award to Principal Thompson during a school-wide assembly where she will speak to students about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity.

I am a firm believer that the first step to improving well-being is with good nutrition and when millions of students across the country are not taking part in breakfast they are missing out on the opportunity to perform their best at school The "got breakfast?" Foundation works to help the millions of students who qualify for a free or reduced-price breakfast to access the meals they are not receiving. Out of 55 million children who attend public school in the United States, 30 million participate in the National School Lunch Program, yet only 9.6 million eat breakfast in school. The foundation includes a coalition of public officials, community leaders, private organizations and personalities committed to anti-hunger efforts.

"I am a firm believer that the first step to improving well-being is with good nutrition and when millions of students across the country are not taking part in breakfast they are missing out on the opportunity to perform their best at school," said Anna Kournikova. "Principal Bill Thompson's work championing the Classroom Breakfast model to serve meals to his students is an excellent example of how we can get meals to children who need it the most and help them be their best."

Studies show that Classroom Breakfast dramatically increases test scores and improves the health of children. When breakfast is served in the classroom and offered to all students, regardless of income, breakfast participation numbers have doubled and in some cases tripled. Research proves that principals, teachers, food service directors and custodial staff agree Classroom Breakfast positively affects the ability to learn and a students overall well being. Classroom Breakfast helps address the logistical hurdles that come with serving students breakfast such as time constraints and limited staffing. There are various ways schools implement Classroom Breakfast; some set time aside early in the morning so that when children arrive at school they sit at a desk and are served a convenient grab-and-go meal and some serve breakfast during role call.

"We hope that by highlighting Principal Thompson's work more school districts will learn about Classroom Breakfast and how it can greatly increase breakfast counts," said Gary A. Davis, CEO, East Side Entrees and "got breakfast?" partner. "We are glad that such an internationally recognized personality as Anna Kournikova is working with the "got breakfast?" Foundation to help raise awareness of the benefits of participating in the National School Breakfast Program and how it can help combat childhood hunger."

A 501© (3) foundation, "got breakfast?" includes some of the most influential partners in its efforts to combat child hunger including public officials, community leaders and organizations such as Share Our Strength, the Alliance to End Hunger, the National Dairy Council, East Side Entrees, General Mills and Minute Maid.

"got breakfast?" also educates the public on the fact that when children fail to eat breakfast at school, school districts loose federal funds. According to the Food Research and Action Center, more than $500 million in federal funds available to provide school breakfast to children in need are not being accessed.

Anna Kournikova As an internationally-recognized tennis star, Anna Kournikova is one of today's leading female professional athletes. Her commitment to tennis and sportsmanship remain strong as she continues to expand her career and grow both personally and professionally. Her accomplishments have transcended off the court, making her one of the most recognized athletes in the world and a respected member of the sports community.

"got breakfast?" The "got breakfast?" foundation works to ensure that every child, regardless of background, starts the school day with a nutritious breakfast in order to learn, grow and develop to the fullest potential. By bringing together the public, private and non-profit sectors, the foundation will educate communities across the country on the lifelong benefits of eating nutritious meals and help children lead healthy and strong lives.