People often say and believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It literally means “to break the fast,” after a stretch of not eating overnight. In a recent systematic review (Zhi-hui Li, et. al., 2021), group of studies suggest that those who eat breakfast are more likely to have a reduced risk for the cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; hypertension, heart diseases, obesity, and strokes are included. A survey conducted by Ipsos-Reid on behalf of McDonalds Canada, reported that six in ten Canadians eat breakfast everyday of an average week, and just one in twenty say they never eat breakfast. However, skipping breakfast is more often reported among the younger adults and children. Surveys revealed that 13 percent of school-aged kids skips breakfast. It is even more prevalent among adolescents where close to 30 percent aged 12 to 19 skips their first meal of the day. Studies have also indicated that teenage girls start skipping breakfast regularly than boys. It may not be unusual for children to miss breakfast, but if it becomes a norm, missing breakfast more often can negatively impact their health, their well-being, as well as their school performance.
Children of all ages have all kinds of excuses for skipping breakfast. Some skips the morning meal simply because they need to rush off to school, leaving no time to eat, or some don’t like traditional breakfast foods. No matter what the reasons are, children must be encouraged to eat breakfast and be made aware of its benefits. Breakfast has been associated with many benefits, including healthier body weight; better memory, attention, and test scores; and better overall nutrition and health.
At Breakfast Club of Canada, breakfast programs are implemented to ensure that all students have reliable access to nutritious food in as safe and supportive environment. They create nutritious, varied and culturally adapted menus in line with Canada’s Food Guide. They also serve hot or cold menus in the dining area or classroom, according to each school preferences. To learn more about the work they do, visit www.breakfastclubcanada.org.