Minersville High School Ranks Top 10 in PA Breakfast Challenge
UPDATE: Minersville High School has just been named one of the top 10 schools in Pennsylvania for its innovative breakfast program, aimed at boosting student health and learning. This recognition comes amid a statewide initiative encouraging schools to enhance breakfast participation and nutritional offerings.
Despite offering free breakfast every morning, many students previously skipped cafeteria meals to rush to class. To combat this, the district launched an urgent campaign to promote breakfast consumption, advocating that well-fed students perform better academically. Utilizing grant funding, Minersville introduced a convenient breakfast cart in the school lobby, allowing students to grab meals on their way to homerooms.
Superintendent Michael Maley expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “I encourage my own daughter to grab breakfast every day.” With many students engaged in extracurricular activities, it is crucial for them to have access to nutritious meals throughout the day. This year, breakfast participation has surged from around 90 students last year to over 200 of the approximately 480 enrolled students.
The school’s success is attributed to its diverse menu, which now features options like hot breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, scrambled eggs, waffles, and bacon and cheese tater tots. This expansion of offerings has been vital in attracting more students to the breakfast program.
Minersville’s involvement in the Governor’s Breakfast Challenge highlights its commitment to providing healthy, locally-sourced meals. The school will be honored at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 25, 2025, alongside nine other districts recognized for their efforts.
Maley emphasized the importance of free meal access, particularly in light of insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Families greatly appreciated access to free meals during that time,” he noted. With federal income qualifications allowing free lunches for all students, Minersville is dedicated to ensuring students stay alert and engaged.
The school’s food service director, Jerry Naylon, has played a pivotal role in upgrading the menu while adhering to state and federal nutrition guidelines. Naylon has also launched an Instagram page to keep families informed about daily offerings, further driving interest and participation in the breakfast program.
“Students learn better when they’re well fed,” Naylon stated, reinforcing the school’s mission to support its students’ well-being. The district encourages all students, especially those who may not have enough food at home, to take advantage of the breakfast options available each morning.
As Minersville High School continues to prioritize student health and academic success, its innovative breakfast initiative stands as a model for other districts aiming to improve student wellness. The community eagerly anticipates the upcoming awards ceremony, celebrating the significant strides made in enhancing student nutrition and learning.
