Among the rising cost of inflation and prices continuing to soar, families struggle to put food on the table and the younger members of our society pay the price. In low-income households the silent crisis that exists goes unnoticed: children in Ontario are food insecure and struggling to meet their daily nutritional intake.
60 percent of families with low incomes mentioned that they feel ‘very concerned’ about meeting their daily needs, especially with the rise in prices of essential goods, such as housing and food according to a report by Children First Canada.
Thousands of children wake up each day in Ontario not knowing whether they’ll have sufficient food for the day. This plays an important role in shaping the children’s future.
Food insecurity impacts their:
- Mental health
- Physical well-being
- Cognitive development
- Academic performance and more…
As inflation continues to rise, food insecurity increased by 29 percent among young people according to a report by Children First Canada. Hunger shouldn’t be a child’s concern or a barrier to their future or happiness, however many children have to live this sad reality.
The importance of breakfast for food insecure children
Proper nutrition is essential for a growing body; the most important meal of the day is the first meal – breakfast. Breakfast sometimes is the only meal these children can afford in this economy. A healthy and hearty breakfast is the key to starting your day on the right foot. While a filling breakfast is the fuel a child’s body needs, it also sets the tone for the rest of the day. A wholesome breakfast is vital for a child’s holistic growth and development. It becomes even more important when this is the only meal a child facing food insecurity has access to.
When a child’s nutritional requirements are met it promotes optimal functioning of the brain which in turn aids in better concentration, learning and memory. A balanced diet also lowers the risk of falling ill and builds immunity in the child’s body. Access to healthy meals is not only important for survival but is also vital for the development and future of the child’s success. With every nutritional meal served to children battling with food insecurity, we come a step closer to ending the cycle of poor nutrition and bad eating habits.
Here’s how important an everyday breakfast meal is –
Fuel for the day – As breakfast is the first meal after a long night’s break, it is quintessential that one starts strong as your body is fueling up for the long day ahead. This is particularly important for children who start their day with school – where learning is not only physical but also mental.
Enhanced cognitive function – Studies indicate that eating breakfast results in better cognitive functioning which means improved memory, attention span and problem-solving skills. Therefore children who eat breakfast are prepared to take on the day and perform well academically by absorbing new information and retaining it.
Better nutrient intake – Breakfast is the perfect opportunity for children to catch up on their lacking nutrient intake. A breakfast packed with nutrition can be an avenue for providing a variety of vitamins, and minerals along with being a great source of calcium, iron, fibre and protein.
Healthy weight management – Research shows that eating a healthy breakfast on a regular basis is associated with healthier body weights in kids which contradicts the misconception that skipping breakfast helps in weight loss. Eating a healthy breakfast helps better weight management by reducing the chances of overeating throughout the day by regulating appetite.
Improved mood and behaviour – Hunger affects one’s mood and behaviour to a significant extent causing irritation, mood swings and difficulty in concentration. Starting out the day with a wholesome meal will reduce the chances of mood fluctuations and behavioural problems in children causing them to lead a happy and eventful day.
Establishing healthy eating habits – Motivating kids to have breakfast according to an article by Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, kids who eat a healthy breakfast regularly are more likely to stick to the habit and make smarter food choices throughout the day.
What does The Children’s Breakfast Club do?
Founded on the belief that no child should ever go hungry, The Children’s Breakfast Club strives to reduce this struggle. The organization’s motto is to provide nutritious meals all across Ontario to children in need. To these children, the food provided is more than just a meal, it is a ray of hope offering nourishment, support and a sense of belonging.
Understanding that access to nutritious food is a right and not a privilege is the core mission of The Children’s Breakfast Club. The organization realizes that hunger affects children from every walk of life without discrimination. No matter what the reason, the need is indisputable and the club is here to make ends meet.
The Children’s Breakfast Club serves meals to thousands of children every day via a network of community-based breakfast programs. The program is more than just providing food, it focuses on building a community of support and empowerment. We strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for children to thrive, learn and socialize.
The Children’s Breakfast Club has its own challenges; being a nonprofit organization, the club relies heavily on donations and volunteers to keep its programs running. Despite the challenges, the organization does its best to deliver. We believe that every act of kindness no matter how small makes a significant difference in the lives of these children.
How can you contribute?
What can you do from your end to support this cause? There are multiple ways in which you can help out including volunteering at a local breakfast program, donating funds or just spreading the word of our mission. Every step, every contribution, every act of kindness helps ensure that more children have access to nutritious meals.
It’s a group endeavour that calls for tolerance, tenacity, and unfailing support. In concert, we can improve the lives of kids who are experiencing food insecurity and create a more promising and well-nourished future for everybody.
Donate today and help your community! You can reach out to us at info@breakfastclubs.ca or 437-836-6222
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Jonah Nirmal