Early Childhood is a critical period for brain development, and proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and overall future health and success. More specifically, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Good nutrition and healthy growth established in the first thousand days of a child’s life have benefits that will last for a lifetime.”
The Brain & Nutrition
The human brain experiences incredible growth in the first few years of life. Proper nutrition helps to provide the essential nutrients that are needed to fuel this healthy development.
Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and vitamins help support neural connections, memory and cognitive skills. Furthermore, early learning milestones such as speech skills, motor skills, and problem-solving skills are also directly supported by good nutrition and a lack thereof could prevent a child from reaching said milestones.
The Long-term Impact
The impact of a lack of proper nutrition during childhood extends far beyond the immediate years. It shapes a child’s health, cognitive abilities and earning potential well into adulthood.
- Children with better nutrition tend to perform better in school as proper nutrition positively affects attention span, memory and learning capacity.
- Children who experience chronic undernutrition may struggle with reading, math and social skills.
- Because children who are deprived of good nutrition early in life struggle academically, many often experience lower earning capacity in adulthood, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and deprivation.
Proper Nutrition Fuels More Than You Think
Beyond cognitive function, proper nutrition supports a child’s immune system and positively influences sleep patterns. When a child is nourished, they can: regulate their emotions, interact positively with peers, engage in imaginative play, and create. In short, food nourishes the whole person.
Our Committment at Marguerite's Place
At Marguerite’s Place, we understand the profound impact that nutrition has on early childhood development. That’s why we, through the support of our donors, foundation grants, and corporate partners, provide three healthy meals per day in our childcare program.
By ensuring that children in our care receive nutritious food, we are not only supporting their immediate health and well-being but also setting them up for long-term success. Our mission is to nourish the whole person just as we support the whole family, helping to break the cycles of trauma and poverty so that families can heal and thrive.
