THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

The diet of young children has received increasing media scrutiny over the last few years, and with recent studies highlighting the correlation between nutrition and academic performance, its more important than ever to ensure our children are eating well at school.

With a growing childhood obesity rate, the diet of young children has received increasing media scrutiny over the last few years. We all know that proper nutrition is vital to child health, yet at a societal level.

The consequences of poor eating patterns and sedentary lifestyles have been well researched and publicized, but potential impacts extend beyond an increased risk of chronic health problems in adult life.

Newer clinical studies have strengthened the scientific evidence-base which shows the correlation between nutritional factors and academic performance. These indicate that the nutrient density of school meals has an impact on pupils’ cognitive function, concentration, and energy, as well as their metabolic health and waistlines.

Eating behavior and habits are formed from a young age, and (alongside parents and carers), school settings across the Early Years and Preparatory stages offer an environment that can help positively shape how children think about food and eating. Behavioral science has evidenced that children’s ‘choice architecture’ can be swayed by what is most visible and accessible; small tweaks in the school environment and lunchtime offering can have significant effects on their dietary selections and their behavior.

Dietitian Srishti Arora works closely with school caterers to develop an innovative menu that is broad and balanced but also incorporates child-friendly classics. The children always have a range of fruit and vegetables at mealtimes, wholegrains replace refined white carbohydrates and the meat is carefully sourced directly from a supplier.

The weekly menu concentrates on child-friendly meals that encourage pupils to try more plant-based protein (such as beans and pulses) as well as omega-3 rich fish. In Dietitian Srishti Arora's school program, food education goes beyond what we eat, to incorporate how we eat as well. Eating is a social occasion, but children are also encouraged to develop good manners and to eat slowly and mindfully.

Although nutrition education and health promotion are often incorporated into aspects of the curriculum many schools are now exploring new ways of encouraging children to engage not just with what nutritional quality means, but also to grasp the intricacies food system itself and the whole process of ‘farm to fork  Working alongside parents and families, schools have the ability to impact future public health by fostering the knowledge and skills to help pupils relate to food and cooking in positive and healthy ways. Educational environments provide a setting for important early experiences that help to develop children’s enjoyment of food, their understanding of the social contexts within which eating takes place, and their ability to make informed, healthy choices as they grow into young adults. Dietitian Srishti Arora's help desk 8130085574, 011-41504450