NORFOLK, Va. — According to a new state analysis from No Kid Hungry Virginia , nearly 32,000 more students are eating breakfast at school compared to two years ago.

The growth lines up with the Youngkin administration's " ALL In Virginia " plan to get more students to attend school. Chronic absenteeism dropped to 14.8%, down from more than 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Virginia's success proves that focusing on school breakfast is a powerful strategy to connect kids with the school day and with the nutrition they need to thrive," said Sarah Steely with No Kid Hungry Virginia.

Steely said the big driver behind the change is breakfast after the bell. It lets schools serve breakfast in classrooms or at kiosks, so students can grab a quick meal.

"That can also make a big differen

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