A New Jersey state law was recently passed that makes it mandatory for schools in the state to provide breakfast for its students. This ensures all students have the chance to eat breakfast whereas before the law some students didn’t eat breakfast because they either couldn’t afford it or because they didn’t have time.

In adhering to the new law, Cinnaminson High School has introduced a breakfast program that now allows students to purchase breakfast items in the cafeteria in the morning.  

According to Ms. Corsello, one of the school’s lunch ladies, the breakfast program was introduced to prevent students from coming to school hungry and in turn benefit students’ learning. 

“I think it’s a great program,” Corsello said. “Nobody should have to come to school hungry,” Corsello said.

Mr. Matt Perekupka, director of science and STEM, said he thinks the new breakfast program will benefit students, not only if they’re hungry but also in maximizing students’ learning capabilities.

Perekupka said eating breakfast is beneficial because it helps students stay focused and learn better. When asked if he sees a difference in students after eating, he said he has noticed it helps. 

“I think when students are not hungry, yes. That can happen from breakfast or lunch. If you’re hungry it’s a natural instinct to think about food so if you are fed you have the ability to think more and focus on what you are doing,” Perekupka said.

While Curtis Jenkins, a senior at CHS, has not had the opportunity to try the school breakfast yet, he does see this as being a good way for him to get nutrition and start the day off positively. 

“No I have not, but I am open to trying it,” Jenkins said. “I think it’s a good idea for people who can’t make breakfast at home and it gives them the option to eat something.”

Admitting that he does not typically eat breakfast in the morning, Jenkins said he plans on visiting the cafeteria to see what is offered.