Guest Blog by Karen Pryznyk, Coordinator of Food First Foundation
The tagline on a recent series of chocolate bar ads goes, “You’re not you when you’re hungry”. It’s true. Hunger changes you from a reasonable, functioning person to someone who is tired, impatient and unproductive. How often have you recognized these symptoms in yourself or your children? What is the solution? Hint: it is not a chocolate bar. The answer is a healthy, adequate diet.
The problem is that many children in the NWT do not have access to a healthy, adequate diet. According to the Stats Canada Canadian Community Health Survey of 2012, 31.6% of our Territory’s children live in food insecure households. This means that they do not have access to enough nutritious food to maintain good health. The reasons are many and complex. But poverty is at the root of almost all of them.
The teachers in our schools experience this situation every day. Children who arrive at school hungry are at a distinct disadvantage. Their brains are not fueled to perform the cognitive and regulatory functions needed for academic success. Brain research clearly supports the link between nutrition and learning. Children are learning something new several times a day. Their brains need to be nourished both intellectually and physically.
Because of this, educators all over the North feed their students first. “Have you had breakfast yet?” they ask as the students stream in the door in the morning. If the answer is no, the student is provided with breakfast. The food is offered to all. Whether the fridge at home is empty or a student just forgot to eat breakfast, they can get food at school. No one is singled out. Everyone gets the food they need to settle down, listen and learn. Teachers will tell you: it makes a world of difference.
The theme for NWT Literacy Week (September 21-27) is Literacy: Our health depends on it! Click here for more information about the links between health and literacy.
