Walmart Foundation Expands Funding to AASA for School Breakfasts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kitty Porterfield, kporterfield@aasa.org, 703-774-6953

ALEXANDRIA, VA., Feb. 5, 2013 – The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) today announced a new two-year, multimillion dollar grant from the Walmart Foundation to expand the number of districts who serve already eligible children breakfast at school. Last year, with a previous grant from the Walmart Foundation, AASA piloted the program in four school districts in New York, Ohio, and California. This new $2.5 million grant will expand the program to an additional six urban districts.

“We know that more than 19 million American children qualify to receive free or reduced-price lunch at school, but less than half of them get breakfast at school—even though programs exist to feed them,” said AASA executive director Daniel A. Domenech in announcing the grant.

The purpose of the Walmart Foundation/AASA breakfast initiative is to significantly increase the participation of needy children in the already existing federal school breakfast programs. In this past year the Walmart Foundation/AASA initiative created broad awareness and support among school district and community leaders in the pilot communities for the programs. The superintendents and food service directors from these initial pilot programs will serve as mentors to the new districts.
Studies have shown that children are not participating in breakfast programs for a number of reasons—because their school does not provide the program, their parents do not have sufficient information about the program or understand that they are eligible to participate, or transportation to get the child to school in time for breakfast is not available.

“Superintendents are key in this effort,” Domenech explained. “We need to be sure that they understand the programs and know how to access funding for their students. We need to share effective and sustainable program models with school districts everywhere. ”

Program funds necessary to expand and enhance existing school breakfast programs will be granted to six urban districts. An RFP outlining the eligibility requirements will be issued in the coming months, and districts will be chosen from the applicant pool. Based on the best practices findings of last year’s program, elementary students in these districts will be offered breakfast in the classroom; secondary students will have a “Grab and Go” meal. All the breakfasts will include milk, a fruit/vegetable option, grains and protein.

Program evaluation results will be shared with the Walmart Foundation. Project findings and lessons learned will then be disseminated to a wide range of stakeholders.
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About AASA
The American Association of School Administrators, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. For more information, visit www.aasa.org. Follow AASA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AASAHQ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AASApage.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts that align with the company’s core business strengths. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.