Nutrition and learning

1. Youth face a number of food-related concerns, such as poor nutrition, obesity, and hunger.

2. nutrition affects students’ thinking skills, behavior, and health, all factors that impact academic performance

3. nutritional deficiencies (particularly zinc, B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and protein) early in life can affect the cognitive development of schoolaged children

4. Studies have found that access to nutrition, particularly breakfast, can enhance a student’s psychosocial well-being, reduce aggression and school suspensions, and decrease discipline problems

5. Poor nutrition can leave students’ susceptible to illness or lead to headaches and stomachaches, resulting in school absences. Access to nutrition that incorporates protein, carbohydrates, and glucose has been shown to improve students’ cognition, concentration, and energy levels