The Facts
Nutrition and Learning

• Even moderate under-nutrition can have lasting effects on children's cognitive development and school performance.

• About 12 percent of students report skipping breakfast.  Only 11 percent report eating a breakfast that contains foods from three food groups and food energy intakes greater than 25 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowance.

• Skipping breakfast can adversely affect children's performance in problem-solving tasks.

• Studies of the School Breakfast Program show participation associated with improved test performance reduced tardiness and absence rates, increased attention, improved behavior and emotional adjustment.