Sanbornton Central School hosts 'Books and Breakfast' to kick off NH School Breakfast Challenge

SANBORNTON — Students at Sanbornton Central School combined nourishment for the body and the mind during a special "Books and Breakfast" event. Held in conjunction with New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, the gathering served as a vibrant launch for the district’s participation in the 2025-26 School Breakfast Challenge.

The event brought together local partners, educators, and a celebrated guest to highlight the vital link between a healthy breakfast and academic success. Recent data shows that New Hampshire ranks 47th in the nation for school breakfast participation, and Winnisquam is taking proactive steps to ensure its students are fueled and ready to learn.

Students were treated to an engaging presentation by renowned New Hampshire author and illustrator Marty Kelley. Known for his humorous and relatable children's books, Kelley walked students through his ongoing creative process, showing how a simple idea transforms into a finished book.

The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) further enhanced the literary celebration. Thanks to their support, students in attendance selected a brand-new book to take home, fostering a love of reading outside the classroom. CLiF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture a love of reading and writing among low-income, at-risk, and rural children up to age 12 throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.

Hannaford Supermarkets generously donated a variety of fresh fruit for the students. The donation underscored the community's commitment to providing healthy options as part of the "quest for school breakfast."

The "Books and Breakfast" event is part of a larger effort by NH Hunger Solutions to increase breakfast participation across the state. Research consistently shows that students who eat breakfast have improved focus and memory, better attendance records, higher test scores and academic performance. NH Hunger Solutions works to end hunger in the Granite State by improving access to federal nutrition programs, including school breakfast and lunch.

"We are thrilled to partner with organizations like NH Hunger Solutions, CLiF, and Hannaford to provide this opportunity for our students," said Jacqui McGettigan, Winnisquam Regional School District family and student support liaison. “By combining a healthy meal with the magic of literacy, we are setting our students up for success both today and in the future."