Benefits of school breakfast programs:
Attendance
Several studies have shown that student attendance improves in schools that implement universal-free school breakfast programs (Taras, 2005). Children are more likely to attend school and have low rates of tar- diness when a school breakfast program exists
Improved Behavior
Students participating in a universal-free school breakfast program had fewer behavior problems six months after the program started (Kleinman et al., 2002). Disciplinary actions also have been shown to decrease in schools that offer a universal-free school breakfast program links, or connect data from your collection.
Improved Concentration
A Minnesota study found that a school breakfast program improved concentration and alertness amongst college students and in young children. This is especially true when it comes to memory recall. In a school where there is free breakfast daily, the study retention rate of students is much higher in schools in which there is no breakfast served.
Better Academic Performance
Many studies indicate that school breakfast programs improve academic performance. Overall, their standardized test scores are higher and children who do not get sufficient meals on a daily basis are more likely to have to repeat a grade.
Major Problems:
1.) Food insecurity is a major problem when it comes to children's nutrition. According to HealthyPeople.gov, food insecurity is defined as disruption of food intake and eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources.
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Visit Healthy People for more information about food insecurity in the United States.
2.) Obesity rise amongst college students. We all know about the "freshman 15" however the weight gain is a by product of lack of adequate nutrition amongst college students that can have a major affect on their academic performance. There are a multitude of reasons for the weight gain. Visit Obesity Action for more information
3.) Lack of education and awareness about nutrition. This point ties the previous two points together. Many times children living in food insecurity come from families who are not educated about food and nutrition and only buy cheap processed foods that they can afford. Likewise, college students are more likely to not pay attention to what they put in their bodies and be more focused on other things going on in their lives and their nutrition suffers.
Tips for optimal nutrition from MyPlate for children!
1.) Eat more fruits and veggies
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2.) Choose whole grains
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3.) Re-Think your drink--drink more water!
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4.) Focus on lean proteins
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5.) Slow down on sweets
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6.) Be active!
