A hot lunch program at Assumption School has sensory integrative occupational therapist Michelle Riddle feeling optimistic.
Consistent and often dramatic results achieved by using food as a primary treatment in her practice are what inspired Riddle to devise the pilot program she calls Feeding Hearts and Minds. The sit-down meal program features menu items made mainly with locally grown organic ingredients.
“Many children with anxiety, hyperactivity, sensory processing and motor control disorders no longer have these issues when they start eating whole, pure foods,” Riddle explained. “We are seeing symptoms that are associated with some conditions actually resolve completely with proper food.”
Riddle initiated the hot lunch program after she became concerned about how many children today suffer from anxiety, aggression, and attentional and learning difficulties. “With the implementation of a healthy diet, many, and in some cases all, of these issues can disappear,” Riddle said. “There is overwhelming scientific evidence available to show that children who eat whole, unadulterated pure foods experience improved brain development, increased self esteem, reduced anxiety and depression, increased attentional focus and improved motor control.”
The benefits of healthy social interaction during meal time is another facet that has been incorporated into the program. “Food is a way to socially connect, so what better way to start educating children about healthy food choices,” Riddle said. “All of the food served is whole, 100 per cent unprocessed, and, for the most part, locally produced. Chicken is brought in from One-Tree Farm, eggs are purchased from Mayana Adar Family Farm, and vegetables are from my own garden. Everything is allergen-free.”
Riddle said that even some of the students have noticed a calmer class-room environment since the school adopted the program.
“Just as kids can immediately become hyper from eating candy that contains too much sugar and artificial colour or flavouring, eating well balanced, natural foods can immediately create a calming energy,” Riddle explained.
“It was exciting to have this idea so well supported by Assumption School. We’re hoping that the positive results may help families move toward eating whole, pure foods as a mainstay of their diets at home, and that other schools will start to incorporate more opportunities to offer foods that help their students build better brains.”
