Food is a fundamental pillar of young people’s lives. In the school canteen, children and adolescents spend a significant part of their day. It is therefore vital to ensure that they enjoy a healthy and balanced diet.
In this article, we will explore why it is important for school canteen meals to result from a healthy weekly menu. We will know how this affects healthy eating habits. And we will offer practical solutions to ensure good child nutrition.
WHY IS A HEALTHY AND BALANCED DIET IMPORTANT IN THE SCHOOL CANTEEN?
FOOD EDUCATION AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS
Food education is an essential component in the development of healthy eating habits. Children and adolescents who consume nutrient-rich foods reap the benefits of proper growth and optimal brain function. However, many school canteens offer fast food and processed food options, which can encourage poor eating habits.
IMPACT ON HEALTH
An unhealthy diet can contribute to increased childhood obesity and long-term health problems. In addition, children who do not benefit from a healthy and balanced diet may have difficulties in concentration and poor school performance.
RAISING AWARENESS: THE URGENT NEED TO PRIORITISE SCHOOL FEEDING FOR CHILDREN
The issue of school feeding for children has become an issue of global concern. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, aproximadamente 41 millones de niños menores de cinco años tienen sobrepeso o son obesos.
This is not only a health problem, but also an educational and social problem that affects future generations. As additional research has shed light on this problem, it has become increasingly clear that it is critical to address school canteen feeding in a serious and effective manner.
ALARMING STATISTICS
CHILD OBESITY ON THE RISE
In recent decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the rate of childhood obesity in many countries. In Spain, according to the ALADINO Study, 40% of children between 6 and 9 years of age are overweight or obese due to a lack of healthy eating. This affects their health in the short and long term.
IMPACT ON MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
In addition to the physical effects, a lack of a healthy diet in the school canteen can also have a negative impact on the mental and emotional health of students. Foods high in sugars and fats can contribute to mood swings and concentration difficulties.
EXPERT OPINIONS ON A HEALTHY AND BALANCED DIET FOR CHILDREN
Nutrition and education experts are united in their call for action. According to Dr. María López, internationally recognised paediatric nutritionist, “a healthy and balanced diet in the school canteen is essential to ensure that children and adolescents get the nutrients they need for optimal growth and development. We cannot underestimate the impact of children’s nutrition on their health and well-being.
HEALTH ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT
Health organisations, both nationally and internationally, have launched initiatives to address this problem. In Spain, the Ministry of Health has launched the Collaboration Plan for the Improvement of Food and Drink Composition and Other Measures 2020-2024″.. It includes specific guidelines for improving healthy eating in school settings.
THE ROLE OF NGOS
Non-governmental organisations play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating in school canteens.. Programmes such as “Eat Well, Learn Better”, developed by the NGO Nutrition Without Borders, work in partnership with schools and authorities to improve food quality and provide nutrition education.
SOLUTION: ACHIEVING A HEALTHY AND BALANCED DIET
TIPS FOR A HEALTHY WEEKLY MENU
- Food variety: Offer a wide range of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
- Portion control: Serve portions appropriate for the age and size of the student.
- Reducing sugars and trans fats: Limit foods high in added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Involve students: Encourage student participation in choosing healthy lunches and healthy menus, as well as in food preparation.
BENEFITS OF A HEALTHY AND BALANCED DIET
- A healthy and balanced diet in the school canteen brings with it a number of benefits:
- Improved academic performance.
- Promotes physical and cognitive development.
- It prevents long-term health problems.
- Promotes healthy eating habits throughout life.
HEALTHY AND BALANCED DIET IN CASVI VILLAVICIOSA
At Eurocolegio Casvi International Private School, they understand the importance of a healthy and balanced diet in the school canteen. Nutrition education, together with the provision of healthy lunches, is fundamental to pupils’ well-being.
In a constantly changing world, it is our responsibility to ensure that students
have access to healthy food. Investing in a healthy and balanced diet is an investment in the future of our children and adolescents.
That is why, at Eurocolegio Casvi International Private School, nutritional education has such an important place in our educational model. And he has it both inside and outside the classroom or the canteen.
In Casvi this is something that is taken care of from an early age. And it extends to all stages: PYP (Pre-school and Primary), MYP and Diploma Programme (IB).
They work on this, for example, with different stimulation workshops in different languages. With them they achieve:
- Awakening all the senses.
- The motivation to learn new things.
- Enthusiasm for such learning.
- And a rewarding atmosphere of calm and curiosity.
TIPS FOR EFFICIENT NUTRITION EDUCATION BY EDUCATORS AT CASVI VILLAVICIOSA
Eating, like any other activity, should be approached as a routine full of positive moments for everyone. Eating, and doing so with all kinds of food, becomes a moment of satisfaction and enjoyment. A time when social relations are encouraged and we can share with the people we love the most.
In short, an effective nutritional education with which we manage to make our children see:
- That all foods awaken new sensations by providing: colour, variety, textures and smells.
- That they can actively participate in the food process.
- And that they can be masters of their own learning.
We cannot forget that children do not like all foods the first time they try them. For this reason, Casvi Villaviciosa is undertaking the following actions:
- We help them to face these new foods through play and spontaneity.
- We can also do this by adding a small amount or, why not, by mixing them with their favourite dish.
- We should not show concern if they do not eat them.
- And even if they don’t, don’t fail to expose them to them so that they become familiar with them.
- Reinforce, at the same time, the fact of sitting with a positive attitude.
Thanks to this nutritional education, together, and with patience, we will ensure that they have a fun, varied and healthy diet. The most important thing is to get them to try and discover, and then show whether they like it or not. We cannot forget that experimentation is one of the premises of the International Baccalaureate methodology, with the Continuum of IB Programmes implemented in Casvi.
Together we can create a healthier and more balanced school environment for all!
