Food Research & Action Center’s Post

Resources for children should apply universally, not per familial wealth. "Many students who might qualify for a free meal won't take it because of the stigma, the embarrassment. When you offer it to everyone, it really levels the playing field. It allows more kids to get the nutrition they need to be successful." -Dan Gorman, food service director for local area public schools Education benefits the whole population, and proper access to nutritional resources enhances all investments into public schools. If we cannot universally feed and educate our children, what will the future hold for our society? #FeedTheChildren #CommunityBuilding #UniversalSchoolMeals

Nutritious meals are a key component of your child's academic success. But what happens if you’re having difficulty ensuring they have a balanced meal every day?   Amy Lazev, Supervisor of the School Health Initiative Program at Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, shares the numerous benefits of the National School Lunch Program and what you need to do to participate. #HungerActionMonth

Feeding the Future: Addressing Food Insecurity on College Campuses   Did you know that a significant number of college students face food insecurity? How does this impact their academic performance and mental health? Trellis Strategies, in collaboration with Swipe Out Hunger, explores these pressing issues in our latest publication from the Student Financial Wellness Survey (SFWS). Discover: 1. What are the real financial challenges today's students face? 2. How aware are students of available resources like food pantries? 3. What is the connection between food insecurity and students' mental health? Read the full article to learn more about our findings! https://lnkd.in/g37N_zrx

Have you had school lunches on your mind? How can we defend lunches that nourish minds and connect our students? I'm interested in the research policy makers are basing their decisions on when it comes to school lunches. As a parent who can afford a school lunch but every day see the benefits of a provided school lunch including and not limited to equality, equity, connection, kotahitanga within the safety and security of routine. When I went to look at the research that support the current review, I only found the positives of what school lunches are doing and should continue to do for our schools in New Zealand. A groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Emily Wilson and her team at the University of Melbourne explored the link between nutritional quality and academic performance. Published in the Journal of Educational Psychology in 2023, their findings revealed a compelling correlation between balanced, nutritious school meals and improved cognitive function. Students who consumed wholesome lunches demonstrated enhanced concentration, memory retention, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the research underscored the detrimental effects of poor nutrition on learning outcomes. This stark contrast highlights the critical importance of fostering healthy eating habits from an early age to support optimal cognitive development. In New Zealand, similar studies have reaffirmed the significant role of school lunches in shaping academic success. The 2022 study led by Dr. Sarah Johnson at the University of Auckland explored the impact of nutrition on learning outcomes in primary school students. Their research findings echoed those of their Australian counterparts, emphasizing the importance of nutritious school meals in supporting cognitive function and academic achievement. By ensuring access to nourishing meals for all students, regardless of socio-economic background, governments are striving to level the playing field and empower every child to reach their full potential. So I ask, what research will be used when making decisions about our school lunches and what about all the evidence that says otherwise?

Last year, I began a dialogue with Ohio legislators about the importance of providing every student in the state with free breakfast and lunch at school, regardless of their parents’ or guardians’ income. This initiative aims to eliminate the stigma associated with receiving free meals and ensure that all students have access to the nutrition they need to perform well academically and function effectively throughout the school day. While some may oppose the idea of universal free meals for all students, it is crucial to consider the broader benefits of such a program. Ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals can lead to: Improved Academic Performance: Proper nutrition is linked to better concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, which can result in improved academic outcomes. Enhanced Student Well-being: Access to consistent, healthy meals supports students' physical and emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and stress related to food insecurity. Equity and Inclusion: Providing free meals for all students promotes equity and inclusion, fostering a positive and supportive school environment. To achieve this goal, continued advocacy and collaboration with lawmakers, educators, and community stakeholders are essential. By highlighting the positive impacts on student health, academic achievement, and school culture, we can build a strong case for implementing universal free meal programs in Ohio schools. #education #ohioschools

Tips For A Healthy School Routine & After School Schedule After school can be a hectic time. The kids are tired from a long day at school and they are ready to unwind. from the "Family Focus Blog" blog https://lnkd.in/gj4kz6Yd Link in bio

Minnesota is considering a new initiative that would provide free milk cartons to all students in schools across the state. This proposal aims to ensure that students have access to nutritious dairy products during their school day. By offering free milk cartons, policymakers hope to promote healthy eating habits and address food insecurity among students. This initiative could have a positive impact on student health and well-being, as milk is a good source of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Additionally, providing free milk cartons to all students could help reduce the stigma associated with receiving free or reduced-price meals. Overall, this program has the potential to benefit students' physical health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dq2qR_2q

What would it look like for schooling itself to be so healthy, so engaging, so joy-full that we did not have to rely on downstream reactive care? https://lnkd.in/gmwjDzpg