Parents, educators and communities are expressing concerns about current obesity rates among children. One of the best ways to prevent obesity is to make sure kids are active and eating well. But we need to remember that all children need to eat well – not just those who are at risk of obesity.

It has been shown that students, who are well nourished, perform better academically, are absent and late for school less often, function better behaviorally and emotionally, have less anxiety, depression and hyperactivity, and are more ready to learn.

Kids with poor nutrition habits score much lower on tests of vocabulary, reading, comprehension, arithmetic and general knowledge. They are also more susceptible to illness and more likely to be suspended and to have difficulty interacting with their peers.

Schools can play an important role in fostering healthy eating habits in students, and many schools throughout the province have already taken steps to do so. From fundraising with healthy foods to implementing healthy snacks, BC schools are discovering ways to improve both nutrition education and practice. But professionals must all work together to create the best possible learning environment for students. Promoting healthy eating at school is the right thing to do and nutrition at schools is everybody’s business.

Ryan Vending provides a variety of nutritional alternatives for schools including their trademark Power Food program.