How School Nutrition Education Improves Learning and Health

School nutrition education plays a vital role in improving students’ health and learning outcomes. When children are educated about healthy eating habits, they can make informed choices that support their physical development and academic performance. Nourishing Schools Foundation has implemented nutrition education programmes in over 330 schools, impacting over 95,000 children, with significant results: a 14% point increase in children reporting they believe they can take charge of their own nutrition and a 32% point increase in students using soap or sanitiser to wash their hands.

Boosting Academic Performance

Proper nutrition is directly linked to improved academic performance. Well-nourished children are more attentive, focused, and able to retain information better, which translates to higher scores in subjects such as mathematics, science, and language. For instance, after implementing nutrition education, the Nourishing Schools Foundation observed a 28% point increase and a 20% point increase in the students scoring more than 60 out of 100 in Science and Mathematics, respectively, within one cycle of engaging with our programme. These results demonstrate the powerful impact that good nutrition can have on learning.

Promoting Healthy Habits for Life

School nutrition education benefits students in the classroom and promotes lifelong healthy habits. By learning about the importance of consuming fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods, students develop healthier eating patterns, reducing the risk of diet-related diseases such as obesity and malnutrition. This is particularly important in rural schools, where access to balanced diets can be limited. With lessons in sustainable food production, including how to grow a variety of crops, students gain the skills to improve both their own diets and those of their families.

Building Healthier School Environments

One of the most effective ways to reinforce nutrition education is through practical experiences, such as school gardens. Schools that integrate gardening into their curriculum allow students to grow fruits and vegetables, reinforcing the nutrition lessons they’ve learned. For example, a school in Assam partnered with the Nourishing Schools Foundation to establish a garden that now supplements its midday meal programme. These initiatives provide fresh produce for school meals and teach students valuable lessons about sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Strengthening Community Health

The knowledge gained through nutrition education often extends beyond the classroom. Students frequently bring what they learn home, influencing the dietary habits of their families and communities. By empowering children with the tools to make healthier choices, schools can help address broader public health issues. In some cases, schools have gone beyond education to lead by example, such as a school in Satara that set up a healthy snack canteen after reviewing the handwashing and nutrition data collected by our team.

Conclusion

School nutrition education has a profound impact on both health and academic outcomes. By promoting better food choices, reinforcing learning through practical activities like gardening, and creating ripple effects that benefit communities, schools play a pivotal role in shaping healthier futures. With programmes like those implemented by the Nourishing Schools Foundation, schools can be catalysts for change, driving improvements in student health, learning, and overall well-being.