What you should know about child nutrition in educational systems
Have you ever thought about the importance of nutrition in children's' mental and physical growth ? If not, then you need to think again. Nutrition is a vital component of children's success in education and school. Having a balanced diet is essential for concentration, performance, physical activity and creativity. Eating the right nutrients contributes greatly to children's vital approach to intellectual challenges they face on a daily basis. That being said, many school cafeterias are now missing the mark when it comes to providing healthy meals.
Being strongly passionate about food, I always made suggestions at my school to help ameliorate the cafeteria menus , making sure they offer balanced and healthy meals. Research suggests that student physical and mental development is built upon good health (Caine, 2015).
The National Education Association (NEA) react
Nowadays cafeteria food is highly unbalanced and children is are not getting the neccesary nutrients for proper growth physically and mentally. NEA are aware of this issue and as a matter of fact, congress have revitalized child nutrition programs. They have implemented the Healthy and Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA). This act "provides funding for federal school meals and child nutrition programs, increases access to healthy food and promotes overall student wellness"(NEA, 2015). In addition , this act aims to
- Terminate childhood famine
- Ameliorate student health
- Decrease Obesity numbers
- Provide Guidance to the food service employees
The American Federation of Teachers(AFT) take matters at hand
A survey conducted by the action center and food research indicated that 57% of participants believe that hunger is a main reason that hampers child growth in school(Myers, Oct 2014). Pressure has been compiled on the federal government to take matters in their own hands and provide enough funds that will ensure well balanced meals for children at school. Furthermore, the article entitled 'Political pizza-pushers threaten school nutrition gains', reinforce the AFT's efforts in promoting healthy eating and decreasing obesity. A growing concern revolves around "deep pocketed corporations which market junk food directly to kids and are lobbying committee members to keep their processed foods on lunch trays, which means shoving aside healthier options"(Myers, May 2014). School cafeterias should not be cutting corners by substituting frozen and processed food for healthy food. Although it is cost effective, it will create serious issues in the long run because proper eating habits are built at this young age and are life long .
Whats Cooking ?
A great approach to sensibilise students about health and nutrition is to actually get them cooking .In the article entitled Student Chefs are 'Cooking up change' high school culinary students participated in a cook off that was judged by professional chefs. This competition was designed for students to create their own meals that were healthy and balanced in an attempt to be adopted by cafeterias across America . The meals were not complicated so that they could be replicated in large amount, and therefore designed for schools that serve children on a large scale (Myers, June 10 2014).
Food for thought ?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approach this issue in a wise and logical manner. They aim to enhance children's perception of food , and create passion and love for healthy eating(USDA, May 2015). This approach will promote life long healthy life styles that the children will adopt. Their website www.fns.usda.gov is jam packed with programs that promote healthy lifestyles.
These programs include
- National School Lunch Program(NSLP)
- School Breakfast Program(SBP)
- Summer Food Service Program(SFSP)
As well as other such as Food Distribution Programs .
Call for Action
The council of Chief State School Officers provide a policy statement on school health . Their findings indicate that only 2% of school children are consuming the minimum suggested number in the 5 main food groups in the food pyramid (CCSSO, Policy Statement on School Health , n.d). CCSSO have now constructed a framework to tackle these challenges amongst others. Their approach to improving child nutrition is as follows
- "Food services ensure access to nutritious, affordable, appealing foods in an environment that supports healthy eating behaviors"( CCSSO, Policy Statement on School Health, n.d)
- "School policies promote the provision of healthy foods and beverages in a la cart sales, vending machines, as snacks, and at all school-sponsored events"(CCSSO, Policy Statement on School Health, n.d).
The common core state standards CCSS actively support children with learning disabilities. As I matter of fact , they have created the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which aims to prepare these students to "excel within the general curriculum and be prepared for success in their post-school"(Application to Students with Disabilities n.d).
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) have conducted copious amounts of research on child health and nutrition. Their findings indicate that undernutrition also knows as protein energy malnutrition hampers cognitive development. Children who suffer from this are usually too short and weigh less for their age. This condition is triggered by the absence of vital nutrients and not just a lack of protein(Jukes, 2006) .
Works Cited
Caine, C .(2015).National Teacher of the year Finalist Hawaii Teacher of the Year. Retrieved from file:///Users/alibougrine/Downloads/2015%20STOY%20HAWAII.pdf
CCSSO.(n.d) Policy
Statement on School Health. Retrieved from
http://www.ccsso.org/Documents/2004/Policy_Statement_School_Health_2004.pdf
Common core state standards .(n.d). Application to Students with Disabilities . Retrieved from :http://www.corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/Application-to-Students-with-Disabilities-again-for-merge1.pdf
Jukes, M.(2006, 2007). Early childhood health, nutrition and
education. Retrieved from:
Myers, V. (Oct, 2014).American Federation of Teachers.
Americans support school nutrition
programs. Retrieved from http://www.aft.org/news/americans-support-school-nutrition-programs
Myers, V . (May 20, 2014). American Federation of Teachers. Political pizza- pushers threaten school nutrition gains . Retrieved from http://www.aft.org/news/political-pizza-pushers-threaten-school-nutrition-gains
Myers, V.(June 10, 2014). American Federation of Teachers. Student chefs are ‘ cooking up change’. Retrieved from http://www.aft.org/news/student-chefs-are-cooking-change
NEA(2015).Child Nutrition. .Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/38649.htm
USDA United States Department of Agriculture (May, 2015).
Child nutrition programs . Retrieved from http://www.fns.usda.gov/
