CLARKSVILLE, TN - Several schools in the Clarksville-Montgomery County district have started offering free breakfast to all students.

Debbie Mobley, the school system's director of Child Nutrition, told The Leaf-Chronicle that it isn't just a perk for students — it's key to providing them a good education. The American Dietetic Association say a good breakfast helps students perform better in the classroom by improving concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination.

Twelve schools are participating the program, which is paid for through grants and state and federal programs that provide funding for free or reduced lunch.

The menu includes a variety of items such as whole grains, biscuits, cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk.