Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island, introduced legislation in Olympia this week that would expand the popular “Breakfast After the Bell” program to more schools around the state.

The program would ensure more students — especially those with limited financial means — have access to a nutritionally balanced meal after the first bell of the school day.

“This bill is about being responsive to the needs of students and educators,” Wellman said. “We know the traditional before-school breakfast program doesn’t always work for every student, and this bill will give our districts more options to put students in a position to learn.”

Under the legislation, schools would have the flexibility to choose a delivery model that works best for their individual needs whether it is a quick nutrition break in the morning, breakfast in the classroom, or grab-and-go style during the walk between classes.

“The evidence is clear – students have improved concentration and achieve higher academic outcomes when they are learning after a healthy breakfast,” said Wellman, the incoming chair of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee. “We’ve already seen this program implemented successfully across the country. Now it’s time to give the same opportunity to more students across our state.”

See the Legislature’s website for more details on Senate Bill 6003.