Healthy Kids, Ready Learners

Evidence is mounting that kids who eat well and are active are better equipped to do well in school including improved test scores and attention. They come to school on time, focused and ready to learn. 

• As documented in the Action For Healthy Kids report, The Learning Connection,  there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that children who eat poorly or who engage in too little physical activity do not perform as well as they could academically.
• A recent study of 5,000 children, published in the Journal of School Health, found an association across multiple indicators of diet quality with academic performance.
• Other research has shown that regular physical activity aids in cognitive and academic development in youngsters between ages 7 and 11.

This relationship has been particularly well documented when it comes to eating breakfast. Breakfast really is fuel the body needs to start the day. Mom is right. Skipping breakfast can interfere with learning, even in children who generally eat well.

Numerous studies, reviews and position papers, and references in The Learning Connection report that, in addition to boosting brainpower, breakfast has been shown to curb behavior problems, reduce absenteeism and help children focus.  For years, schools have encouraged better nourishment during testing time, knowing that eating breakfast can improve scores. Why not make sure kids eat a good breakfast (and lunch and dinner) every day?

With kids spending 1,000 hours per year in schools, schools can serve as the “great equalizer” across economic, racial and social differences. Ideally, they provide a level playing field where kids can learn lifelong habits that will help them be healthy. Schools are also a critical connection point for parents, families and communities, all of which play important roles in helping children learn good nutrition and how to be active. Read about Our Approach to working with schools to make this a reality.