NUTRITION – THE IMPACT ON LEARNING AND BEHAVIOUR

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”
― Mother Teresa

“The Wisconsin School Phenomenon: Impact of fresh, healthy foods on learning and behaviour” https://youtu.be/LgabV3Ktgww The video is older but the message is still relevant and powerful.

In 1997 the Wisconsin School District started an experiment, introducing wholesome, preservative-free  nutrition for their students. Prior to the program the school was plagued with students dropping out and violence that required an on-staff police officer. After the introduction of the program, in a yearly survey required to be completed by schools, the school scored zero in the following five categories: dropouts – expulsions- drugs weapons and suicide. Out of 4,500 high school aged students only 16 (!) dropped out.

Why is it that nutrition is still not being given the attention and credit it deserves? We know the facts about the effects on overall health, learning ability and behaviour? How can children be expected to function properly in schools when they have no breakfast, reach for candy bars and fast foods during the day?…. If anything we put into our mouth/body does not provide the building blocks for the body to regenerate healthy cells, it should not be considered food. I wonder where the term “health food” comes from.

I strongly believe, that we owe it to our children (and ourselves of course) to provide them with the best foundation possible to succeed in life. Yet, society has the tendency to turn a blind eye to so many important facts. I encourage you to be strong, set an example for others and in this way, leave a positive footprint and make it easier for others to follow.

Green blessings,

Gudrun