The Hangry Kid: How Michigan Schools Are Tackling Missed Breakfast

Any teacher will tell you — there’s nothing quite like a hangry child to disrupt a classroom. A rumbling stomach can lead to frustration, lack of focus and even behavioral issues. But what if a simple solution could help? A nutritious breakfast — at the right time — can make all the difference.

Is hangry a thing? What happens when Michigan students miss breakfast

Kids who eat breakfast benefit in big ways. Research shows they:

• attend 1.5 more days of school per year
• score 17.5% higher on math tests
• are 20% more likely to graduate 

Yet, for many families, getting breakfast in before the school bell rings is easier said than done. Whether mornings are rushed, kids aren’t hungry early or they simply refuse to eat, breakfast can be an afterthought. 

Mary Kurkowski, Director of Food Nutrition Services at Port Huron Schools, has seen firsthand how breakfast impacts students. her district offers ‘Second Chance Breakfast,’ a program that’s improving attendance and student focus and filling up hungry bellies.

Since introducing the breakfast program across all grade levels, attendance has improved in some elementary schools. Kids make it a point to arrive on time because they don’t want to miss breakfast.

“The breakfast program is so important because if you get into school and you have 3 or 4 hours before lunch and you haven’t eaten anything, you don’t have the energy, you can’t focus,” Kurkowski says.

How a second chance at breakfast helps keep hangry kids on track

Some Michigan schools are meeting kids where they are by offering this mid-morning grab-and-go option for students who missed the first meal of the day.

It’s working, says Michael Palmer, Principal at Port Huron High School. “What we’re seeing is a high number of students that are eating breakfast in the morning, which has really led to kids being fed.”

For many students, the first hour of the school day isn’t the right time to eat, but when given the opportunity later in the morning, their hunger catches up to them. “Some of them aren’t quite ready yet, but after an hour, they’re settled in and yep, they’re hungry,” says Kurkowski. 

Emily Mattern, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Michigan Department of Education School District Consultant, says providing multiple breakfast options supports students with different needs, especially those rushing to school. A second chance breakfast ensures they don’t start the day hungry and unfocused.

How to make breakfast happen every day for your child

If your child struggles with eating before school, you’re not alone. Here are some simple ways to give them a second chance at breakfast:

1. Check if your school offers Second Chance Breakfast. Many Michigan schools now provide mid-morning options — ask your child’s school to see what’s available.
2. Send a portable breakfast. If eating at home isn’t working, try packing something quick like a granola bar, yogurt, or cheese stick that they can eat later. Don’t forget the ice pack when packing dairy! A carton of milk is a nutritious option.
3. Make mornings less rushed. A few extra minutes can make all the difference. Try setting out breakfast options the night before.
4. Try different foods. Some kids aren’t into traditional breakfast foods. A smoothie, a slice of toast with peanut butter or even leftovers from dinner can do the trick.
5. Talk to your child. If they’re skipping breakfast, ask why. Are they not hungry? Too stressed? Finding out the reason can help you adjust their routine.
6. Encourage them to take advantage of school breakfast. Even if they don’t feel like eating right away, remind them that they can grab something later if their school offers it. Reminder: Michigan School Meals Program provides free breakfast (and lunch!) to all public school students in grades Pre-K-12 for the 2024-2025 school year. 

Michigan schools are leading the way in making sure every child has access to a nutritious start. Whether it’s through Second Chance Breakfast or small changes at home, a fed child is a focused, ready-to-learn child — and that’s something every parent and teacher can support.

This content is sponsored by United Dairy Industry of Michigan / Milk Means More. Learn more at milkmeansmore.org. 

Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy.

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