By Yesenia

As children are constantly growing and developing, it’s crucial to provide them with a delicate balance of essential nutrients. School lunches tend to include many options for students to select from, all inclined to follow certain regulations implemented by the state and country. Ensuring school lunches are packed with these nutrients can significantly impact their physical health, cognitive development, and energy levels. Setting a foundation for a healthy and productive lifestyle. 

Figure 1. Amount of Food per Week (minimum per day)

Note: Adapted from U.S. Department of Agriculture 2024, National School Lunch Program Meal Pattern

Nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamin D are essential for building and maintaining healthy bones and muscles. Protein is an essential part included in almost every cell in the human body as it plays an important role when recovering and repairing skin, organs and blood. Protein provides significant nutrients such as: zinc, iron, magnesium and B vitamins (Abbott ,2018); Other needed nutrients like Omega-3, which are predominantly found in fish, flaxseeds and walnuts provide nourishment for brain development. The proper intake of protein improves memory, problem solving skills, energy production ect. Children who lack protein often face health issues such as fatigue, illnesses, poor concentration and decreased participation in school activities. 

The proper consumption of fruits and vegetables, which is found to reduce child obesity and improve academic achievement is another key factor that must be included when it comes to school lunch. Many schools provide fruits and vegetables, however either canned or frozen.  In research led by Celeste Schultz and Janet Thorlton, a positive association was found between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and academic performance, that is, when students consumed fresh fruits and vegetables. The lack of fresh fruits and vegetables excludes the proper nutrients to reach the children. 

While processed foods can cause a rapid blood sugar level spike and energy spikes that last a short time and are followed by crashes and inability to concentrate, combining proteins with other healthy sugar intakes like fruits, prevents those energy crashes that can impact mood levels throughout the day. Highly processed foods often contain refined sugars and unhealthy fats that have no nutritional value (Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno,,n.d). Children who eat an excessive amount of processed foods and too much sugar often develop diabetes or face obesity. Creating a large risk, which can be prevented with the proper education.

Implementing certain dietary choices since a young age influences children to practice healthy food consumption outside of school throughout their lives, shaping eating their habits. Children who are exposed to healthy foods during their formative years are more likely to lean towards nutritious options such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains compared to an adult trying to make a shift in their lifestyle.  .  

While in school, children are active both mentally and physically exercising their brains and body. Proper nutrition in school lunch is not only about fulfilling their stomachs with food, ultimately providing the best options for proper intake. Acting like building blocks, nutritious meals are the foundation for physical growth that fuels cognitive development and energy which is used for day to day activities. Enhancing academic performance, reducing school abessens and laying the groundwork for a healthy life. 

Prioritizing nutrient rich school lunch, policymakers, parents and other educators can ensure that every single child has the opportunity to thrive in school and beyond. Investing in children’s nutrition is investing in the future of our society, as they will be the ones who take charge. 

References 

Protein for Child Development. (n.d.). https://www.nutritionnews.abbott/pregnancy-childhood/kids-growth/why-is-protein-important-for-kids-growth/#:~:text=Protein%20for%20Kids’%20Growth,nine%20must%20come%20from%20food. 

Schultz, C., & Thorlton, J. (2019). Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in School Lunches: A Policy Analysis. Journal of School Nursing, 35(4), 248–255. https://doi-org.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/10.1177/1059840518762517The impact of Processed Food & High Sugar Intake on children. Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno. (2024, November 18). https://cmcfresno.com/blog/the-impact-of-processed-food-and-high-sugar-intake-on-children/#:~:text=High%20sugar%20intake%20causes%20a,child’s%20behavior%20and%20academic%20performance.