As Oklahoma students in third through eighth grade prepare to start standardized testing on April 10, local McDonald’s restaurants are preparing to serve them a free wholesome breakfast.
“Eating a good breakfast is important, especially if you have a long day of testing ahead of you,” said Matt Baldwin, Oklahoma McDonald’s franchisee and owner/operator. “It’s our pleasure to offer a wholesome meal to Oklahoma students.”
Students between third and eighth grade taking standardized test can stop by any McDonald’s in the state on April 10 to receive a free breakfast from 6:30 to 9 a.m. Students must be accompanied by a parent and go into the restaurant to receive the breakfast.
Students can choose one of the following four wholesome breakfast items: an Egg McMuffin, Fruit and Maple Oatmeal, Fruit and Walnut Salad or Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait.
In addition to the breakfast item, students can also select one of the following beverages: a one percent low fat milk jug, a fat free chocolate milk jug, or a small Minute Maid® premium orange juice.
“Breakfast is essential to children’s nutritional intake,” said Lori Manning, RD/LD and local McDonald’s dietitian consultant. "Students between nine and 13 years old need about 1600 to 1800 calories. The items offered for this breakfast are all 300 calories or less making them a filling, nutritious option.”
According to data from a 2010 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, almost 50 percent of U.S. children are not eating breakfast every day. Research shows that children who eat breakfast show improvements on math, reading and standardized test scores.
