Children and Breakfast

by Lisa Weinberger | More from this Blogger

30 Jan 2006 06:29 PM

For many children, eating breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Without their stomachs being feed, their minds cannot concentrate on the subject being taught.

According to FRAC, The Food Research and Action Center, http://www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/programs/sbp.html, many students do not eat breakfast for multiply reasons. One reason in particular, are not all children are hungry when they first awake.

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) was established by Congress in 1966. It began as a pilot program for the children who rode the bus to school for long amounts of time before ever reaching school. The areas where the pilot was tested were where many mothers worked to support their family. By 1975, the SBP became a permanent fixture to help schools in providing breakfast meals to all of the nation's children.

This program was not strictly developed due to the expense or for poorer families but for the proven fact that when children first wake up, are not always hungry. Instead of wasting time arguing in the morning between child and parent, providing school breakfast helps children start off the school day with a nutritious breakfast when they are more awake to eat.

For the children who have to ride the bus at 6:30 in the morning and not arrive to school till 7:30, almost an hour later, SBP has allowed all children the opportunity to eat breakfast amongst friends and teachers.

Studies have been conducted to show that children who eat breakfast are less likely to eat snacks full of fat and unhealthy ingredients. Many children rather eat fruit and dairy products over cookies and candy, as their bodies are not craving the sugar. The blood sugar level stays even when breakfast is eaten.

Another finding is children who eat breakfast score higher on their math and reading test due to having the proper nutrition. Food gives us the strength to learn and comprehend. With all the worrying about obesity and our children, teaching healthy eating habits is also part of society's job.

Learn more about Lisa Weinberger

Lisa Weinberger began her career as a teacher and private tutor 15 years ago, and has taught preschoolers to adults. Lisa spent 4 months in Israel teaching English to Israeli students.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger