Programs That Feed

Ask a typical group of grade 4 pupils what they had for breakfast, and they will tell you. Some will say cereal, some will say toast, some will say a breakfast bar, and an estimated 24% will say nothing. They didn’t eat breakfast. By grade 8, 47% of girls and 33% of boys do not eat breakfast daily. A recent study indicates that children who did not eat breakfast were 1.5 times more likely to be overweight.

Ask a typical teacher what he or she sees in the classroom. Behavioural issues rank high on the list of problems. Research studies have identified various problems associated with hunger or poor nutrition, including decreased ability to concentrate, irritability, and physical discomfort due to headaches and stomach aches. Many of these are the same as the effects an adult would feel, but for children in a school, the solution may not be available because children may not be allowed to eat during class time. Even if they can, they may not have brought any food, the canteen may not be open, or they may not have any money to buy food.

Internationally, most countries have legislation to support, regulate and set standards for the feeding of children while in school. The United Kingdom and United States have had national comprehensive school meal programs for decades. Although there are efforts being made through development of policies at the provincial level, such as the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s School Food Guidelines, there is no national government policy or legislation to support, regulate or set standards for the feeding of children while in school. Charitable organizations, such as Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador, work with partners to ensure that all children attend school well-nourished and ready to learn. In 2007, Kids Eat Smart was awarded the prestigious Award for Excellence in Health Promotion from the Canadian Medical Association.

Children and youth need nutritious food to grow, to learn, and to be their best. The reasons behind children not eating breakfast are varied, but often include hectic morning schedules, early school bus departures, lack of early morning appetite and family economics.

In the big picture, the reason is not important, the result is. Kids Eat Smart Foundation supports community-based nutrition programs – Kids Eat Smart Clubs – at schools and community centres throughout the province. These programs are run by volunteers and available to all children within a school community at no charge. Fruit, yogurt, cereal, toast, milk and other dairy products are typical fare, and Clubs are accountable for their operations. Some Clubs run daily, some two or three times per week. Although each is different, they are united in the intent to provide nourishing food to all who wish to avail of it in a safe, supportive environment.

From time to time, people have expressed the concern that school nutrition programs absolve parents of their responsibility. This is not the intention, nor has it proven to be the case. School nutrition programs are an intervention that can eliminate or alleviate the problems associated with poor or inadequate nutrition at home. Parents are expected to offer support in the way that they can, through volunteering or through donations. In most cases parents want to provide their children with healthy food choices, but there is much confusion about what healthy choices are. Kids Eat Smart Clubs lead by example though regular food offerings, and special initiatives such as Fruit & Veggies First!, a promotion to include more fruit and vegetables in Kids Eat Smart Club offerings. Reports from grocers in rural areas suggest that the kids are taking good nutritional habits home with them, as evidenced by the increased demand for specific fruit.

As well as the health-related challenges facing our children and youth, there are also other issues that our schools and societies face. I have spoken with hundreds of people who have successfully started Kids Eat Smart Clubs in their schools or communities, and the feedback I hear repeated most often is the difference the Kids Eat Smart Club makes to their school culture. Consider for a moment the social aspects of eating together. It is the most fundamental societal gathering for families and friends, groups and organizations. Consider the benefits a child would perceive of starting the school day having breakfast with friends. It changes the way they feel, and the positivity permeates through the whole school culture. Children and youth have a place where they are welcome; where they fit in, where they receive something they want that is good for them. Principals say Kids Eat Smart Clubs level the playing field – the range of choice is the same for all regardless of the parents’ tax bracket.

It’s amazing. Kids Eat Smart Clubs are nutrition programs developed and designed to nourish the bodies of children so they can learn. They do that, and so much more. They nourish the souls of schools. The difference it can make is phenomenal.