FOCUS Center for Autism is serving breakfast on a daily basis.
Study after study points out the link between good nutrition and the ability of children to learn and socialize with peers. Kendra Cherry, writing for ABOUT.COM - Psychology cited a Harvard study. The Harvard researchers found that students who ate breakfast were "…significantly more attentive in the classroom, earned higher grades in math, and had significantly fewer behavioral and emotional problems.(1) In a report published by NPR, Alison Aubrey found that eating breakfast really does help kids learn. After fasting all night, a developing body (and brain) needs a fresh supply of glucose — or blood sugar. That's the brain's basic fuel. Your can hear the entire report by linking to A Better Breakfast Can Boost a Child's Brainpower.
Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the 15 children enrolled in our day program are now served breakfast each morning. We’ve even put a FOCUS twist on this. Run in a restaurant-style fashion, each child has a responsibility in making the program a success. They take menu orders, set tables, serve breakfast, and clean-up; which gives them essential social and employment skills that will benefit them in the future.
Skipping breakfast isn't really an option. J. Michael Murphy EdD of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in his report for the Food Research and Action Center said behavioral, emotional and academic problems are more prevalent among children with hunger. His report goes on to say, children who eat breakfast show improved cognitive function, attention, and memory. (You can review Murphy's report, Breakfast for Learning by clicking in the link. Offering breakfast to our children gives them a leg up on their day.
Breakfast isn't the only nutrition offered by FOCUS. Healthy snacks are served to the more than 65 children in our extended Day Treatment Program and, the children often help in the preparation of the food. We're also feeding clients on a daily basis in our residential programs.
Breakfast isn't the only nutrition offered by FOCUS. Healthy snacks are served to the more than 65 children in our extended Day Treatment Program and, the children often help in the preparation of the food. We're also feeding clients on a daily basis in our residential programs.
The Breakfast Club needs your support. $250 can help 15 children have a nutritious breakfast for a week. Please consider making a contribution to this vital program today! For more information contact us at FOCUS Center for Autism or donate on-line.
860 693-8809
(1) Kleinman, R. (1998 March). New Harvard research shows school breakfast program may improve children's behavior and performance. KidSource Online. Available at: http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content4/breakfast.html
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