At the start of each new academic year, families and schools alike place greater emphasis on creating a well-rounded learning environment that supports children both intellectually and physically.
One of the most crucial aspects is ensuring the availability of healthy and balanced meals throughout the school day whether through school canteens or lunchboxes prepared at home.
Food is not merely a source of energy; it is a fundamental element that supports children’s physical and mental growth while enhancing their ability to concentrate and achieve academically.
Health studies indicate that children who consume healthy and balanced meals during the school day demonstrate higher levels of focus and attentiveness in class and are more engaged in learning activities. In contrast, reliance on fast food or items high in fats and sugars often leads to lethargy, distraction, and, in the long term, health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. This highlights the vital role of schools in guiding children toward healthy eating patterns while engaging parents in this shared responsibility.
School canteens play a central role in promoting proper nutrition for children. Meals offered should be varied and include essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fibres, vitamins, and minerals. For example, whole-grain sandwiches filled with vegetables and chicken or tuna, served alongside fresh fruit and natural sugar-free juices, can be good options. Processed meals and soft drinks should ideally be replaced with healthier choices that help instil sound eating habits from an early age.
Abdullah al Maqbali, a father of two elementary school children, notes that breakfast remains one of the main challenges. "We try daily to vary breakfast with milk, fruit, and healthy sandwiches, but it’s not always easy. Often, they refuse to eat, and I have to sit with them and encourage them until they finish," he said.
He added that having balanced items in their school lunchbox is crucial to sustaining their energy throughout the day. "Sometimes we explain to them that drinking milk or eating breakfast is what keeps them active in class and prevents fatigue or dizziness. To avoid boredom from repetition, I choose foods they enjoy, like simple biscuits with fruit or bread filled with light cheese," he said.
"We always think of motivating alternatives. I don’t want my children to feel that breakfast is an obligation, so I try to make it appealing. I consistently encourage them to drink milk, as it is vital for their health and energy. Ultimately, I want them to understand that breakfast and their school meal are not just food they are a way to stay energetic and focused on their studies," he added.
Dr Omaima al Raqadi, emergency doctor, emphasised that the school years are among the most important stages of a child’s development, making proper nutrition a fundamental factor in supporting their physical and mental growth.
She said students need a balanced diet with all essential nutrients to be able to study effectively and engage in daily activities. Since they spend more than one-third of their day at school, it is important that they receive one-third of their daily nutritional needs during this time.
She stressed the central role of families in preparing healthy meals and teaching children how to choose suitable foods, noting that involving the child in preparing their lunchbox increases their willingness to eat healthier options.
For breakfast, she said, breakfast is the most important meal of the day for students. It provides energy and focus and reduces their reliance on sweets at school. Ideally, it should include whole-grain bread, proteins such as eggs or low-fat cheese, along with vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Milk and dairy products are also necessary, as they provide protein, calcium, and vitamin D, with students needing three servings daily.
Dr Omaima recommended preparing school meals at home to ensure variety and quality, including healthy sandwiches, fresh or dried fruits and vegetables, unsalted nuts, and water. She warned against soft drinks, packaged juices, fried foods, and potato chips, which cause obesity and weaken concentration.
One of the most prominent challenges facing this issue is the spread of rapid consumer reading and the habit of some children of making unhealthy orders. Hence, there is a need for collective cooperation between families, schools, and judicial bodies to establish regulatory regulations for food sales in school cafeterias, ensuring food quality, health standards, and compliance.
Furthermore, children can be encouraged to eat healthy food through school competitions and small incentives, making balanced nutrition an enjoyable experience that they look forward to.
BLURB
One of the most crucial aspects is ensuring the availability of healthy and balanced meals throughout the school day. Food is not merely a source of energy; it is a fundamental element that supports children’s physical and mental growth while enhancing their ability to concentrate and achieve academically.
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