School meals linked to faster reading and maths gains

A review of 45 studies is fuelling a call to make school meals free for every pupil in Spain: the research links eating at school to better reading and maths. In one Danish study, pupils who ate at school read faster and answered more exercises correctly. Children’s charity Educo presented its review of research from 10 countries on Monday.

Better learning, less pressure on food budgets

The gains in the Danish study amounted to 11% to 25% of the progress expected over a school year. Other studies pointed to improvements in maths, concentration and attention. Research from Sweden suggested that eating school meals during primary school could raise earnings in adulthood by 3%.

Free meals can help at home, too. In a US study, states where families did not pay for school meals had 12% less food insecurity — difficulty getting enough food — than other states. Families interviewed in Portugal said free meals made a substantial difference to their food budgets.

A meal must be within reach

Access to a school meal does not guarantee that a child will eat it. A UK study found that meal periods of 50 to 70 minutes led to long queues, with some pupils leaving food so they could spend more time at break. In Portugal, children left food when they disliked its taste, smell or appearance.

Research from Portugal, Norway and the UK also found that children from families under financial strain could miss out because their household income exceeded eligibility limits or because they struggled to submit paperwork on time. Educo wants free school meals for all pupils in Spain. Until then, it says children in difficult circumstances should get priority and have the full cost covered.

Topics: Education · Social affairs

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com