British Nutrition Foundation partners with Magic Breakfast to study impact of breakfast on children’s health and wellbeing

The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) and charity Magic Breakfast have teamed up to raise awareness of the important role a nutritious breakfast plays in the wellbeing and health of children and young people.

Nutrition scientists from the BNF will put together a narrative review, analysing the impact of breakfast consumption on the nutrient intake of school-age children, as well as the health outcomes and effect on performance and achievement at school.

The study will also look at the impact of breakfast consumption on children from low-income households, who tend to face food insecurity and poor nutrition the most.

Following the release of the review, the BNF will host a roundtable session with key stakeholders to talk over the results of the paper and their implications.

Commenting on the announcement, Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation said: “As a nutrition charity, we are acutely aware of the impact a healthy diet can have on children’s health and wellbeing, and the challenges that many families currently face in being able to provide the food their children need. We are delighted to partner with Magic Breakfast to look at the science behind breakfast and children’s health and how we can use this to make a real difference to children’s lives.”

Research conducted in 2022 by Magic Breakfast shows almost three million children are at risk of starting the day hungry in England. The report also reveals nearly 70% of schools in the country charge for breakfast, with the Government’s funding for school breakfast provision merely providing for one in four children at the most deprived schools.

To carry out the upcoming review, BNF and Magic Breakfast are being supported with an educational grant from Arla, Heinz, and Quaker. Both organisations hope their project will help to build a stronger evidence base to assist in policymaking and limit the negative effect of poverty on children’s health.

Lindsey MacDonald, Chief Executive of Magic Breakfast, added: “Going to school hungry not only hinders children’s learning, it can also have serious long-term consequences on their health and development. We passionately believe that no child or young person should go hungry, and that a healthy and nutritious breakfast is a proven way to fuel learning and every child’s potential.

“This has never been more vital as the number of children struggling in the UK has more than doubled in the past year. Partnering with the British Nutrition Foundation, we are looking forward to building on the work we do at Magic Breakfast and deepening our understanding of the impact that breakfast can have on the lives of children.”

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