1 in 5 kids in America suffers from hunger
Hungry kids can't learn
Hunger has an effect on student's developmental, cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities. Kids that live in homes that are food secure have less problems with obesity and tend to be sick less often. Well-fed kids have fewer developmental problems and are healthier overall.
Emotional Effects:
Cognitive Effects:
Physical Effects:
Emotional Effects:
- Students who are food-insecure may have more behavior problems due to the emotional stress.
- Higher levels of anxiety may be apparent.
Cognitive Effects:
- Students are not able to think clearly when they stomach is grumbling or there head is aching due to lack of energy/food.
- Students may not be able to concentrate if they are worried about where there next meal is coming from.
Physical Effects:
- Students who are food-insecure may be underweight.
- Childhood obesity is correlated with hunger. When healthy food is not available or easily accessible, unhealthier options may be present.
- Fatigue is related to hunger. Sleepy kids are not able to learn.
So What...?
Having a child in your classroom that is dealing with food insecurity at home can make it difficult for the child to function and perform properly in the classroom. As there teacher you may be able to help:
- Providing the family with information about the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. Contact the office for information dealing with Free and Reduced prices and forms.
- Having extra snacks in the room to provide students is a good idea if possible.
MY PLATe guidelines
Kids are lacking proper nutrition.
The new food guidance icon, “MyPlate,” developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, illustrates the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar image—a place setting for a meal.
Surveys among children two and older show that kids aren’t eating the way MyPlate advises. They are eating too few fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. It also shows that they are consuming too many sweetened beverages and foods that are high in saturated fat and sodium.
Taking steps to ensure that children receive a balanced diet of healthy foods where they live, learn, and play lays a strong foundation for present and future health.
The new food guidance icon, “MyPlate,” developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, illustrates the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar image—a place setting for a meal.
Surveys among children two and older show that kids aren’t eating the way MyPlate advises. They are eating too few fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. It also shows that they are consuming too many sweetened beverages and foods that are high in saturated fat and sodium.
Taking steps to ensure that children receive a balanced diet of healthy foods where they live, learn, and play lays a strong foundation for present and future health.