The aim of the new partnership is to ensure that hunger is not a barrier to learning for school children across the UK and to measure the impact that a nutritious start to the day can have on learning outcomes.
Experts from the BNF will examine previous research published on breakfast habits in children and analyse how this impacts nutrition, health outcomes, performance and attainment at school.
Research from Magic Breakfast, published last year, revealed that three million children in the UK risk starting the school day on an empty stomach. The Hidden Hunger Report detailed the ‘significant gaps’ in breakfast provision, exposing a ‘patchwork’ of support which is failing the most vulnerable. The report found that 67 per cent of the schools in England charge for breakfast, creating a barrier to those most in need.
The report also found that just one in four children in England’s most disadvantaged areas benefit from Government funding for school breakfast provision. To address this, experts called for another £75 million of funding to increase access to school breakfasts in England.
The review will consider the outcomes of children most impacted by food insecurity and poor nutrition, which are often those living in low-income households. The BNF warns that this poses increased risk of both short and long term health problems and this is why schools are an essential setting for providing 'meaningful opportunities for establishing healthier diets', including access to nutritious foods at mealtimes, such as breakfast.
The project is being funded by a grant from Arla, Hein and Quaker in order to further develop a robust evidence base to support policy, and aims to make a real difference to the lives of children and lower the impact of poverty on the health and wellbeing of all children.
Many studies back this research, including a study by Family Action in 2016 which concluded that frequently eating breakfast is positively related to good academic performance, and those children that do so have better school grades and show significant improvement in their cognitive function.
Lindsey MacDonald, chief executive of Magic Breakfast, said, ‘Going to school hungry not only hinders children’s learning, it can also have serious long-term consequences on their health and development. We passionately believe that no child or young person should go hungry, and that a healthy and nutritious breakfast is a proven way to fuel learning and every child’s potential.’
- British Nutrition Foundation's Healthy Eating Week will run from 12-16 June.
