Created to provide a high-quality breakfast to children in California charter schools, Better 4 You Meals now serves the nutritional needs of students with school-based breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Better 4 You Meals provides students with nutritious foods that support healthy growth.

When a child does not receive adequate nutrition, they may fail to develop both physically and intellectually. Research has shown that children who are undernourished have a reduced mental capacity, which hinders their ability to perform in school. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition in 2010, showed that children who are undernourished in early childhood have a 16 percent greater chance of failing at least one grade in school.

Nutritional deficiencies may correlate even more strongly with behavioral challenges, particularly in areas related to social interactions. A study led by psychologists from Harvard Medical School and the National Institutes of Health, demonstrated that children with poor nutrition in their early years showed higher levels of withdrawal and lower levels of pro-social behaviors than their peers.

Furthermore, a child with limited access to nutritional food may be more likely to develop anxiety, hyperactivity disorders, or other psychological challenges. Some studies have also linked a lack of a regular eating schedule with depression.

A poor diet may also increase a child’s risk of both short-term and long-term medical problems. Nutritional deficiency stands out as one of the most common causes of childhood obesity, largely because low-income families often have limited access to nutritious food choices. This can translate to a diet high in fat, which can ultimately lead to serious health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure.