Child Development and Public Health: Blog assignment 2
I choose Nutrition/Malnutrition because I am the school nutrition specialist. I feel that a child’s nutrition can impact their development greatly. Studies have shown the correlation of proper nutrition and a child’s academic success. This summer we are providing students with free breakfast and lunch in low income areas so that they will not be hungry. There would be so many kids that would not eat in the summer time if it was not for this program. During a child’s developing years it is so important that they receive the proper vitamins and minerals for their brain development and their growth. My job is to ensure that these children are receiving healthy meals while at school.
Hunger and malnutrition in Africa have been on the increase since 1960's reaching a climax in the 1980's when over 150 million people were affected by one form or another. Over 15 million are suffering from malnutrition compared to 20 years ago. In an article I was reading about malnutrition in Africa it states that a child can have an IQ up to 15 points less than a child properly nourished. Here is a website to check out about the malnutrition in Africa www.worldhunger.org/.../world%20hunger%20facts%202002.htm .
It is so sad that so many of children are going to bed hungry. It is a growing concern for Africa, but America as well. We as America need to come together and make a difference!!
Wow! That is awesome that you are able to provide food to low income areas in the summer, how are you funding that? In our school district they are doing weekend backpacks where students can pick up a backpack full of food on Friday and bring it back Monday with no one really knowing what was in it.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad to hear about countries around the world with malnutrition that horrific and think about the amount of food the United States wastes on a daily basis. It is even more real when you share the effect it has on a child's IQ. Sad..
Our districts also provide the food to the students in the summer. We get breakfast and lunch served. There are also programs at the local parks and rec departments that send home food to those who need it. I have visited the local food banks several times myself. As a single parent living on a preschool teacher income, I find it very hard to buy healthy, fresh food (produce, milk, etc) every week. I do not qualify for the food programs so it's hard. The food banks and free food for student programs help out so much.
ReplyDeleteHello Karen,
ReplyDeleteIt is important to act as a role model for proper nutrition, not only by eating a well balanced diet, but also by providing a variety of foods to a child. By eating the same healthy foods that children eat, it will provide a good model of nutrition. Undoubtedly, nutrition can affect education in many ways. Children’s nutrition has an impact on their access to school. In resource-poor countries, such as Africa, physical and mental disability can be a major barrier to schooling.
Karen, Are you able to influence the menus to the degree that more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables are being served? One of my preschool sites receives it's breakfasts and lunch from the local school district kitchen. Their budget strategies often have use serving saltine crackers, cheese stick, juice and milk for breakfast. I am thankful for the extra protein, but it is not a meal I am proud to serve. My center prepares its own food for the free preschool and the same day they had whole grain pancakes, fresh berries and milk. And we do it for the same reimbersment. I am concerned about the attitude here that they must serve processed foods like chicken nuggets or pizza or the children won't eat. I know that the same population loves roasted chicken and couscous with steamed broccoli. Sorry for rambling. I just think we can set children up for failure when we serve foods that are highly processed and cause them to feel hungry again quickly.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true we as American are always trying to save the world, when we have children and families right here who need help with food and shelter. Sometimes we just need to focus on home and then outsource ourself.
ReplyDelete