"Good Nutrition is Essential to Good Learning"

The quote, “Good Nutrition is Essential to Good Learning” is decades old and was spoken by someone who was not in the health care field. President Lyndon B. Johnson made and believed in this statement so much that he signed into United States Federal Law the Child Nutrition Act on October 11, 1966. The Child Nutrition Act 1966, from now on referred to as CNA, was built to strengthen and expand food service programs for children.

CNA 1966 SEC 2.[42USC.1771] Declaration of Purpose includes:
In recognition of the demonstrated relationship between food and good nutrition and the capacity of children to develop and learn, based on the years of cumulative successful experience under the national school lunch program with its significant contributions in the field of applied nutrition research, it is hereby declared to be the policy of congress that these efforts shall be extended, expanded, and strengthened under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture as a measure to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s children, and to encourage the domestic consumption of agricultural and other foods, by assisting states, through grants-in-aid and other means to meet more effectively the nutritional needs of our children.

The culmination of the act includes three programs; The Special Milk Program, The National School Breakfast Program, and The National School Lunch Program.

Research has concluded that a child with an improper diet can suffer the harsh effects of malnutrition. When a child lacks proper nutrients or an improper balance of nutrients they can lack proper brain development, impede brain growth, and affect their ability to learn. The reason it is so increasingly important for proper food programs and rules is because of the above mentioned outcomes and the fact that many students may be receiving all or a large percentage of their meals from school alone.

The CNA has made several positive changes in the lives of many children over the years. According to a 2007 study, The National School Breakfast Program feeds 10 million children each day, and The National School Lunch Program feeds more than 30 million students.

However, having said that, the program is aging. The standards being used for the nutritional protocols and meal requirements are based on legislation that called for using the Dietary Guidelines for Americans from 1995 and the Recommended Dietary Allowances from 1989.

So, what is happening now?
The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) has requested that an Institute of Medicine committee review and provide recommendations for the much needed modifications. The Institute of Medicine committee decided to take on the project in phases. The first phase maintained the ultimate goal of improving the diets of children by reducing the prevalence of inadequate and excessive food and nutrient intakes. The committee has completed most of their work and has written a proposal. The proposal is currently under review. The committee is getting ready to shore up Phase II. The phase II proposal is expected sometime in fall 2009. The second phase maintains the ultimate goal of understanding current age appropriateness as nutritional requirements change with age and the overall cost implications of the proposed changes.

Things everyone can do
Foster the behavior children need by snacking on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Talk with children about their day and their daily dietary habits and behaviors.
Check with your local health department and schools to find out what can be done to help make positive changes.
Ask questions; are vending machines in local schools appropriate?

There is a new and growing nutritional ‘cancer’ overcoming the health of children. Take action and work to prevent lifestyle related illness, diseases and additional costs.