Minersville High School Ranks Among Top 10 in Breakfast Initiative

Minersville High School in Pennsylvania has been recognized as one of the top 10 schools in the state for its innovative breakfast program. Despite offering free meals each morning, student participation had previously been low. To address this, the school district launched a campaign aimed at encouraging more students to take advantage of breakfast offerings before the first bell rings.

To facilitate this effort, the district utilized grant funding to purchase a breakfast cart, strategically placed in the school lobby. This allows students to grab a meal on their way to class. For those who prefer a sit-down meal, hot breakfast options remain available in the cafeteria.

Michael Maley, the Superintendent of Minersville Area School District, expressed his passion for the program. “I encourage my own daughter to grab breakfast every day,” he stated, highlighting the importance of nutrition for students engaged in extracurricular activities. Many students, including his daughter, often do not return home until late in the evening, making it critical for them to have a nutritious meal during the day.

The initiative has gained traction, aided by a social media campaign designed to increase awareness and participation. As a result, Minersville High School has been named a winner in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Breakfast Challenge, which promotes increased breakfast participation through nutritious and locally sourced food options.

Boosting Breakfast Participation

The school was recognized not only for increasing the number of breakfasts served but also for enhancing its menu with items like hot breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, scrambled eggs, waffles, and bacon and cheese tater tots. The recognition ceremony will take place on September 25, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where several staff members, administrators, and students will be present.

This year, participation has risen significantly, with over 200 students taking advantage of the breakfast program compared to about 90 students last year. The school serves approximately 480 students, and with free lunches also available due to federal income qualifications, many students can enjoy meals at no cost throughout the day.

“Our tradition is to prioritize what is best for our students and families,” said Maley. “That dedication is reflected in our free breakfast and lunch program.”

The Importance of Nutrition in Education

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of providing accessible meals to families in need, and the district continues to advocate for students to take advantage of the meals offered. Maley underscored the importance of nutrition in academic performance, stating that students who are hungry cannot focus effectively on their studies.

For many student-athletes, the school day often transitions directly into practices and events, leaving little time to eat at home. This makes the provision of meals during the school day even more essential.

Maley credited the district’s food service director, Jerry Naylon, for the successful implementation of the breakfast program. “He does a phenomenal job creating a menu that balances student preferences with state and federal nutrition guidelines,” Maley noted.

Naylon has also launched an Instagram page to keep families and students informed about menu offerings, which has contributed to the increase in breakfast participation. “We really promote it,” he said. “Not all students have enough food at home, so we encourage them to grab breakfast cart items each morning, even if they plan to eat them at home.”

The initiative at Minersville High School exemplifies how schools can enhance student well-being through nutritious meal programs, ultimately supporting their academic success.