Daley congratulates Colonial Elementary for Breakfast Championship win
Governor’s program encourages new breakfast eaters in schools
Rep. Mary Jo Daley September 29, 2025 | 2:11 PM
MERION STATION, Sept. 29 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley today congratulated Colonial Elementary School for its recognition as one of the commonwealth’s Governor’s Breakfast Champions.
Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe joined the American Dairy Association North East, Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Avant, cheerleaders and mascot SWOOP to name the Governor’s Breakfast Champions during an event at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday.
The Breakfast Champions represent the top 10 schools with the greatest participation in the second Governor’s School Breakfast Challenge. At Colonial Elementary School, breakfast participation increased when the building’s principal began making daily announcements to promote school breakfast.
“Congratulations to Colonial Elementary for their hard work,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “When we make sure every student starts the day with a healthy breakfast, we’re not just feeding kids – we’re fueling their learning, their confidence and all of our future success.”
The three-month challenge also recognizes schools for implementing sustainable changes that incorporate more nutritious and local foods in their meal offerings, including prioritizing low-sugar and locally sourced options.
The Shapiro administration is committed to ensuring that all children and students have access to healthy meals all year long. During the past school year, 92.9 million breakfast meals were served in schools, an increase of over 11 million meals since the 2022-23 school year. More than 70 million of those breakfasts were served to students at risk for hunger or from low-income families.
The governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal would build on that progress with a $10.8 million increase to continue the universal free breakfast program, making sure students have access to healthy meals to start their day on the right foot.