May 02, 2013
Health benefits of school breakfast backed
The Public Health Association says it’s time to look at school meals as a way to address long term health issues.
The association is urging MPs to support Hone Harawira’s Feed the Kids Bill at its first reading so the consequences of childhood hunger and poverty can be fully considered.
Chief Executive Warren Lindberg says health and education are connected, and making sure kids get breakfast is a good start.
“It sets kids up for a productive day and this goes beyond just feeling good about yourself. It affects your relationship with others and affects your ability to concentrate but it also has long term implications. Two of the biggest health issues facing the nation are obesity and some parts of the country especially where incomes are low is oral health,” he says.
Warren Lindberg says it’s better to spend money now on food for schools than on dialysis further down the track.
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