Healthy eating provides many academic, physical and mental benefits for students. Many students face problems maintaining a healthy diet, including limited time, budgets, and access to food. These challenges require a multi-pronged approach involving schools, families and communities.

Good nutrition is important for fueling both the body and the brain, and it directly impacts a student’s ability to learn and thrive.

Improved academic performance

I went around asking students at Cypress Ranch how they eat, and I noticed that the students whose diet consists of healthy meals tend to be more energetic, have more concentration and better grades, meanwhile students who mainly ate fast food say that they struggle in class and tend to be more tired.

Better health
A nutritious diet with fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins helps students maintain a healthy weight and strengthens their immune system. This decreases the risk of illness later in life.

Behavior
A healthy meal is associated with better behavior in the classroom. Students who skip meals or eat more sugar may experience fatigue, poor concentration and behavior issues. “I try hard not to let my food affect my mood. Every time I eat, I make sure that I’m getting macro nutrients,” senior Logan Rodriguez said.

Mental benefits
• Fixes mood: Nutritious foods can help control stress, hormones and mood. Poor eating can be risk of depression in students.
• Reduces stress and anxiety: Healthy eating is important for managing challenges. Students with bad eating habits are more likely to experience stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem: By feeling better physically and mentally, students can also feel better about themselves and their abilities.

“Whenever I eat my fruits and veggies, I feel more active in shape, woke and energized,” sophomore Angelina Le.

Lifelong
• Developing healthy eating habits during early years sets the base for lifelong diet choices. Students who learn about good nutrition early are most likely to carry those habits into adulthood.
• Supports success: By investing in a child’s needs, adults can set them up for success not only in school but also in their future and overall health.