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| MEDIA RELEASE ‘A Nutritious Breakfast - Definitely Food For Thought... ’As the Illawarra’s children brush the sand from between their toes, and pack their school bags in readiness for the new school year, it is timely to remind children and their carers of the importance of a nutritious breakfast everyday, but particularly on a school day. “Studies show that children who eat a healthy breakfast are less likely to be overweight, however the consequences of going without a healthy brekky don’t end with the more obvious health ramifications” said Tracy Spark, Children’s Nutrition Program Coordinator with Healthy Cities Illawarra. “Research finds repeatedly that hungry school children have higher levels of aggression and hyperactivity, and diminished capacity to concentrate and learn. Eating breakfast has an immediate effect on improved alertness and educational outcomes of children” she said. Children attend school without having had breakfast for a variety of reasons. Reasons include a perceived lack of time by busy parents, sleepy children, a lack of appetite at that time of day, limited nutritional knowledge and, increasingly, economic hardship. Fortunately, an increasing number of schools and community organisations recognise the far reaching effects of ‘skipping’ breakfast and offer before school breakfast programs in several areas of need in the Illawarra. Along with a nutritional morning meal, breakfast programs are also often providing much needed social contact, supporting the development of social skills and positive relationships with adults in the community. Ms Spark said over fifteen breakfast programs are running in the Illawarra, with plans for more in the near future. Due to the generosity of the volunteer workforce, and various local businesses, community and government organisations, breakfast programs are provided free of charge to the child. “Over 1000 free breakfasts are provided to children and young people in the region each week, however this number is set to grow in 2007 and as it does financial stability becomes more tenuous” Ms Spark said. “Donations of healthy foodstuffs, or money to buy breakfast foods are always very, very welcome, and the donor can be assured the results of their generosity will directly benefit the children of their local community”. For further information, or for details on how you can help support Illawarra Breakfast Programs, contact: Healthy Cities Illawarra, |