Healthy school meals provide the essential nutrients needed for growth, learning, and overall well-being. Read on to discover why nourishing young minds and bodies is crucial for fostering a thriving community.
Nutritional Needs of School-Aged Children
Early life nutrition is crucial for lifelong health. Children and adolescents need healthy meals and snacks to support their physical growth and mental development. Children aged 5 to 13 require increased energy and protein to support their growth and physical activities.
Essential minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc are vital, and micronutrients from vitamins A to K perform important nutritional functions. Fibre and probiotics are also key for good digestive health and a balanced gut microbiome. Children aged 10 or 11, experiencing growth spurts, have even greater energy and nutritional needs than adults.
This nutrition should come from;
- Proteins such as meat, fish, eggs, nuts and legumes.
- Carbs such as rice, cereals, grains, bread, pasta and noodles.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Milk, yoghurt, cheese and other dairy products.
- Unsaturated fats and oils.
Foods high in saturated fat, sugar, salt, excess processed food and ultra-processed foods can contribute to nutritional deficiencies. They are energy-dense but nutrition-scarce. Good nutrition comes from balanced meals prepared from natural, fresh, quality ingredients.
Benefits of Healthy School Lunches
Healthy school lunches can positively impact a child’s health, growth, mood, behaviour, concentration and academic performance. We are amidst an ongoing national conversation around healthier school meals for more children. There are so many reasons why healthy school meals can change the lives of many children.
Improved academic performance
Research shows a positive correlation between healthy school meal take-up and better academic performance. Brain and cognitive function development is vital in childhood. Nutritious food facilitates the healthy development of these fundamental functions.
Healthy brain and cognitive function are essential to optimal learning and academic performance. Healthy diets also improve concentration and mood. Studies show pupils focus better on lessons after a nutritious hot meal.
Better physical health
Nutritious school meals are an effective way to address chronic illnesses and obesity. Healthy diets contribute to a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). These can reduce cases of childhood obesity linked to type-2 diabetes in children.
Healthy school meal programmes comply with School Food Standards. They aim for better nutrition and eliminate ultra-processed food and meals with excess fat, sugar and salt. Sufficient nutrition prevents nutritional deficiencies, lowers absenteeism and encourages sports and physical activity.
Improved pupil behaviour
Studies indicate that well-nourished children who eat healthy diets have improved behaviour. Increased intakes of sugar, artificial sweeteners, additives and processed food may contribute to hyperactivity. School food programmes cut down on these trigger foods that cause behavioural problems. Instead, they focus on balanced diets that provide essential minerals and vitamins.
Thiamine-rich foods can reverse aggressiveness. Children who eat more fruit and vegetables have better emotional stability. Zinc stabilises mood swings. Magnesium can lower restlessness. B vitamins enhance nervous system health and emotional well-being.
Equality in access to nutrition
Healthy school meals ensure every child gets nutritious food regardless of social background. Food insecurity in the UK is mainly associated with a household’s inability to afford nutritious food. Free School Meals (FSM) are a public health intervention by the government to reduce food insecurity among children.
Promotes inclusivity and unity
Eating high-quality meals together fosters a sense of inclusivity and unity among children. A national school lunch programme can bridge social divides, bringing children together in a shared experience. The dining hall becomes a space for socialising, making friends, and connecting with peers. Sharing meals provides opportunities to learn about each other’s diverse backgrounds and can help establish lifelong healthy eating habits, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all.
Long-term economic benefits
Investing in good food in schools can help tackle health crises and provide equal opportunities for all pupils. With access to nutritious meals, children can thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The benefits of healthy school meals positively impact social, health, and educational outcomes.
The facts speak for themselves
Healthy school meals are a cornerstone of child well-being. They offer immense benefits to children, families, and communities alike, contributing to better health, academic achievement, and social cohesion. Every child deserves access to nutritious food, and we believe this should be a standard in every school.
Alliance in Partnership (AiP) is committed to providing exceptional school meals. We work closely with schools, offering both on-site and off-site catering solutions, supported by innovative digital tools. Our menus feature fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, prepared with care by our talented chefs.
We are proud to partner with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) to ensure our meals meet the highest nutritional standards. Our menus cater to diverse dietary needs, and we exceed government guidelines on school food.