By Anushka Asthana, The Observer , Jan.21, 2007
Children who ate healthy school meals instead of packed lunches scored higher marks in tests, were less disruptive and concentrated longer in the classroom.
A study involving thousands of pupils and hundreds of parents and schoolteachers has confirmed the theory that transforming a child's diet improves how they learn and behave.
Two years after Hull City Council (UK) offered free, nutritionally balanced lunches to all young children in primary and special schools, the city is experiencing calmer classrooms, where children are more enthusiastic and more confident socially.
'There has been a significant impact in all areas of children's schooling:from behaviour, social relationships, health and learning,' said Professor Derek Colquhoun, director of the Institute for Learning at Hull University. The study also revealed better punctuality and attendance. 'Children were more relaxed, more alert, more calm and less irritable.'
