We know that a well-fed child can concentrate better in school. This makes learning easier. But do you know why this is true?

Food is the fuel for our bodies. It supplies the calories our bodies need to function.

The brain, like all our other organs, needs these calories. Did you know that while the brain only makes up 2% of our bodies, in adults it uses 20% of our body’s energy use? In children, the estimation is that the brain accounts for upwards of 43% of the body’s daily energy use. Recent studies show that 66% of the calories a child eats go straight to the brain. The brains of children are developing, and depend on these calories converted to energy to do so.

What does this mean for children who are experiencing hunger? Without proper nutrition, children are likely to have problems with memory. And problems with concentrating.  Sleep patterns are often interrupted. The body tries to conserve energy by resting and this can leave students sleepy in class.

In the simplest terms, without adequate food, students are weak, tired and unenergized. This means a lack of ability to focus, a lack of energy to stay awake in class, and an inability to hold on to information.

It also means that a child’s brain may not develop as they should. This could leave them with life long learning disabilities.

Across the Caribbean and Latin America, children are going to school hungry. They are missing school more often, due to illnesses caused by malnutrition. 

You can help change this. 

Our 5 Million Meals, 1 Child at a Time campaign needs your donations. We are asking you to help raise 5 million meals in 2022. One meal at a time. One child at a time. 

Your gift will have double the impact. When you give before July 31, your donation is being matched, up to $100,000.