Feeding Better Behavior

In football it's called "piling on." But with more evidence being accumulated daily regarding the problems of fast food, it behooves us to look again at the impact of student diet and student behavior and readiness to learn.

School districts across the nation are looking for ways to improve their schools, but they often overlook an important influence on learning - good nutrition. The connection between nutrition and learning is well-established among scientists. They are clearly aware that inadequate food intake limits children's ability to learn about their world. Researchers know that chronically undernourished children must use their energy for tasks in order of importance: first for maintenance of critical organ functions, second for growth, and last for social interaction and overall cognitive functioning.

One recent article to catch our eye was the amazing turnaround at an alternative school in Appleton Wisconsin.

The kids now behave. The hallways aren't frantic. Even the teachers are happy.

The school used to be out of control. Kids packed weapons. Discipline problems swamped the principal's office.

But not since 1997.

What happened? Did they line the hallways with police?

No. In 1997, a private group called Natural Ovens began installing a healthy lunch program.

Fast-food burgers, fries, and burritos gave way to fresh salads, meats "prepared with old-fashioned recipes,"and whole grain bread. Fresh fruits were added to the menu. Good drinking water arrived.

Vending machines were removed.

As reported in one newsletter, "Grades are up, truancy is no longer a problem, arguments are rare, and teachers are able to spend their time teaching."

The principal, who files annual reports with the state of Wisconsin, has turned in some staggering figures since 1997. Drop-outs? Students expelled? Students discovered to be using drugs? Carrying weapons? Committing suicide? Every category has come up ZERO. Every year.

One teacher states, "I don't have to deal with daily discipline issues. I don't have disruptions in class or the difficulties with student behavior I experienced before we started the food program."

One student asserted, "Now that I can concentrate I think it's easier to get along with people." The conclusion? Eating healthier food increases concentration.

But what about the costs? Instituting such a program must cost a bundle, right?

The principal sums it up: "I can't buy the argument that it's too costly for schools to provide good nutrition for their students. I found that one cost will reduce another. I don't have the vandalism. I don't have the litter. I don't have the need for high security."

At a nearby middle school, the new food program is catching on. One teacher there reports, "I've taught here almost 30 years. I see the kids this year as calmer, easier to talk to. They just seem more rational. I had thought about retiring this year and basically I've decided to teach another year---I'm having too much fun!"

Pure Facts, the newsletter that ran this story, is published by a non-profit organization called The Feingold Association, which has existed since 1976. Part of its mission is to "generate public awareness of the potential role of foods and synthetic additives in behavior, learning and health problems."

The Appleton experience is not confined to the lunch period. Lifelong eating habits and physical fitness are reinforced across the content areas. Objectives of the program include having the students gain thorough knowledge of the integral role a healthy diet plays in maintaining the body and mind. Students are also exposed to the understanding of the possibility of an improved quality of life that each person can achieve with increased energy and stamina, and understanding the import role that good nutrition and physical fitness play in preventing life-threatening diseases.

Expected outcomes of the program include:

• Increased ability to concentrate in the school setting (more on-task behavior).
• Increased cognitive development.
• Ability to think more clearly, objectively, and rationally.
• Achieve fewer health complaints, i.e. headaches, stomach aches, general malaise.
• Increase attendance in school and work.
• Fewer disciplinary referrals.
• Reduce the feeling of hunger in mid-morning and/or mid-afternoon.
• Less moodiness and more calmness in school and personal lives.
• Increased practice of good nutrition outside of school.

ABC news ran a special on this program. They entitled the segment "Smart Lunches." Their conclusion was simple: Students behaved better with healthy lunches.

The Advantage Press also looked at the relationship between breakfast and behavior in our December Newsletter of 2002. In it we shared some recent findings regarding improved attendance and behavior as a result of better eating habits at breakfast.