School meals play a critical role in the lives of students, especially children from low-income families. Dayle Hayes, Nutrition for the Future, spoke to attendees about how proper nutrition provides students with the opportunity for academic success. Many of our students are under-nourished. For students at risk of food insecurity, school meals often provide the majority of their daily nutritional needs. If we want kids to do well and have strong bodies and minds, we need to provide them with brain food. Baked chips and diet soda are lower calorie, but they aren't brain food. Here are some of the affects of food insufficiency on academic performance:
- Significantly lower math test scores.
- 1.44 times more likely to repeat a grade.
- 1.89 times more likely to see a psychologist.
- More difficulty with peer interaction.
- Teens more likely to be suspended.
As board members, you can ensure that your schools offer nutritionally-rich meals for students. Offering students breakfast in schools can make sure that they start their day ready to learn.