BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Food plays a critical role in how a student learns and making sure a child has a balanced meal can make all the difference.
Dr. Heidi Schumacher, a pediatrician at the University of Vermont Medical Center, says one of the most important habits is making sure kids are eating three meals a day.
“I mean, breakfast, we always say and I think they say this on the cereal boxes, too, it’s like the most important meal of the day. It gives your brain and your body energy and really can kick-start a good day for attention, for learning and for having the energy to have activity at school,” Schumacher said.
With the start of a new school year, families are adjusting to new schedules and routines, including mealtimes.
Schumacher says meals should be balanced with a mix of dairy, protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
For busy families, she says keeping simple options on hand can make it easier to stick with those habits.
Schumacher also emphasizes the importance of breakfast for learning.
Vermont is one of five states that provide all public-school students free breakfast and lunch, regardless of their families’ income.
“When it’s free for everyone, it lowers concerns that, well, I don’t want my kid to be singled out if they’re taking a free meal. So when it’s offered to everyone, that just means we all get access to the same healthy meals, because we in Vermont care about our kids, and providing free lunch is part of that,” Schumacher said.
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Dining and Cooking