By BRIAN GRAVES

It has often been said breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

More than 80 youngsters not only learned why that is true, but were treated to a free breakfast to start their Thursday with a nutritious start.

Their sunrise treats were part of recognizing National School Board Breakfast Week and were provided by Molina Healthcare of Mississippi.

Michele Jones, Molina community engagement manager, said the Picayune stop was the only stop for the tour this week.

“It is important for us to focus on healthy eating,” Jones said. “And of course, it starts with educating our children.”

The students were provided “breakfast bags” stuffed with a healthy breakfast including biscuits, fruit, juices and a toothbrush to emphasize dental health.

They also received instructions on the importance of keeping their hands clean before and after eating their meals.

Jones said a good breakfast helps start a youngster’s day in the right way, keeping them energized and alert so they can learn and be properly educated.

She said the lesson is just as important for the parents as it is for the children.

“Adults need to be good role models by eating healthy, and the children can go home and tell what they learned about a good breakfast and maybe the parents can learn from them,” Jones said.