Politicians have been told to commit to real change in light of staggering statistics revealing a devasting four million UK children are living in homes struggling with food insecurity.
Research reveals millions of schoolchildren are at risk of starting their day without breakfast – impacting their mental and physical development and significantly hindering their ability to learn.
And as a result, newfound action is being taken to address this issue and help raise awareness among MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum.
Arla, the dairy cooperative owned by farmers, have launched their new ‘No Breakfast, Breakfast Meeting,’ asking politicians, with the power to make a difference, to commit to making real change.
As part of its ongoing partnership with Magic Breakfast, a charity that works to ensure no child in the UK is too hungry to learn, Arla has been raising awareness amongst MPs and Peers to highlight the impacts of morning hunger in children, by giving political participants a glimpse into the realities and effects this can have on our bodies and minds.
Dr Simon Moore, Behavioral Science Expert, said: “When solely considering adult behaviour, the effects that a continued lack of breakfast has can severely impact cognitive, social and physical functioning.
“However, when shifting this focus to a much younger development group, I.e., children, the effects also have huge impacts on growth, social interaction and have been shown to provide a barrier to positive and effective learning experiences.
“These crucial early years in a child’s life are fundamental to their future cognitive and physical development, which is why raising such awareness, like the ‘No Breakfast, Breakfast’ event, hopefully brings about the urgent action that is required.”
Guests were invited to a Breakfast Briefing this week – with a twist.
Half the MPs were told to eat breakfast and the rest told not to – demonstrating how millions of children across the UK experience food insecurity and as a result arrive at school too hungry to learn.
Guests were then challenged with performing a series of cognitive tasks, giving them a glimpse into the physical, social, and emotional impact of missing out on a breakfast.
Together, Arla and Magic Breakfast look to address this widespread issue that is only growing as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
Lindsey Macdonald, CEO at Magic Breakfast, said: “Millions of children and young people across the UK risk starting their school day without breakfast.
“The cost-of-living crisis has plunged even more children into food insecurity so now is the time for immediate change.
“With our valued partner Arla, the ‘No Breakfast, Breakfast Meeting’ is raising awareness of child morning hunger and encouraging a clear solution.
“A free school breakfast is a cost-effective investment in our children’s learning with immediate and long-term benefits to society – that’s why we are calling on the Government to act and ensure free school breakfasts are equally offered to all children who need it.”
The results of the challenges, designed by behavioural science expert, Dr Simon Moore, revealed that those deprived of breakfast were 80% more likely to fail the tasks, such as the buzz wire challenge and stoop tests.
Unsurprisingly, those who hadn’t eaten since the night before complained they found it ‘difficult to concentrate,’ and hard to ‘fully engage with others attending’ because they were simply ‘too hungry’ or ‘distracted by their rumbling stomach’.
After feeling the effects of going hungry, 100% of those attending the ‘No Breakfast, Breakfast Meeting’ agreed to put their weight behind a new commitment to Back Breakfast.
Rachel Campbell, Arla Brand and Sustainability Director said, “No child should ever have to start the day hungry and with the number of children facing morning hunger only set to increase with the ongoing rise in living costs, it is essential urgent action is taken.
“That’s why we’ve joined forces with those in power, to raise awareness of the issue and to back the provision of free breakfast for children who need it the most, so every child can start each day with the essential nutrients needed to grow and fuel learning.”
To find out more about Arla and Magic Breakfast’s partnership, visit https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/food-for-thought/arla-and-magic-breakfast/
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