Riverdale Elementary Boasts Top Ten School Breakfast

The food served up each morning at  was named to the statewide top ten list this week in the Maryland Department of Education's 2012 School Breakfast Contest.

Riverdale was one of six Prince George's County schools to make the rankings. Carrollton Elementary and Lewisdale Elementary placed first and third, respectively, while Rogers Heights Elementary, Langley Park Elementary, and Springhill Lake Elementary were also named to the top ten list.

Carrollton and Lewisdale will receive cash prizes from nonprofit sponsor Share Our Strength, while Riverdale and other top finishers will be given prizes from the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association.

Organized by the MSDE's School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch, the contest is designed to increase enrollment in the School Breakfast Program. Administrators point to data showing improved academic performance, behavior and attendance for students who eat breakfast at school.

Outreach and promotional efforts by the 262 schools taking part in this year's contest helped to boost participation rates over 2011, officials said.

“Our district continues to lead the way in promoting the important role that a healthy breakfast plays in preparing students for learning,” Dr. William Hite, Prince George's County Superintendent of Schools, said in a statement.