Food and nutrition is synonymous to child development. Kids need to have proper nutrition for normal brain development. Often the lack of nutrients can have irreversible effects on cognitive and motor development. Not getting proper nutrition can slow down brain functioning.
Statistics from the World Food Programme revealed that poor nutrition have caused the death of 3.1 million children yearly. Likewise, 1 in 6 children or roughly 100 million in developing countries are underweight. The World Food Programme estimates that around US$3.2 billion yearly is needed to feed all 66 million hungry school age children.
As reported in Feeding America, food insecurity can make children vulnerable to poor health and stunted development. Studies have revealed that food insecurity can lead to health problems that can hinder them from functioning normally and taking part in school and other activities.
In an article published in Take Part, Dr. Deborah Frank, Director of Grow Clinic based in Boston, rapid growth is critical especially in the first 5 years. "Hunger can affect learning long before a child goes to school or can tell you they're hungry?
Many of the children whose learning capacity is being affected by the household food insecurity, their problem is invisible because they're so young. At the same time the brain is most vulnerable, the brain is most likely to be deprived of the nutrition it needs." Frank said.
The website of Urban Child Institute revealed that the first years of a child can slow down brain development. They are likely to eat unhealthy diets and practice incorrect eating habits. As a result, they become at risk of cognitive impairment, obesity, and other long-term problems.
Dr. Frank considers programs such as backpack feeding and universal free lunch as an incomplete. Programs such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children can have an important role in ensuring the development of a child's brain before and after they enter school.
