The case in summary: A new survey from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health shows that 2 out of 10 upper secondary students do not eat breakfast on a daily basis. Skipping breakfast is more widespread among girls, young people with a lower socioeconomic status and with parents without higher education. All students at upper secondary schools in Østfold are offered a free school breakfast or fruit and vegetables. According to the Norwegian Journal of Nutrition, 70 percent of all upper secondary schools had some form of school meal arrangement in 2022. The school meal arrangement has contributed positively to the school environment, and some students perform better, according to Camilla Aas, head of the education committee in Østfold County Municipality. Senior researcher at FHI, Elling Tufte Bere, believes there is a need for more research into the effect of schools offering school breakfast. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAI. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. Outside Glemmen high school in Fredrikstad, yellow and orange leaves are falling from the trees. But in the school canteen there is a fire in the fireplace, hot oatmeal and cereal. And the students can help themselves to the food, completely free of charge. But not everyone makes use of the scheme. Isabelle Anderssen is one of several who does not feel like breakfast. Photo: Juni Hoem / news – When I eat early I often feel nauseous. But I think it’s a nice offer for those who need it. I would perhaps rather have a free lunch, says Isabelle Maria Anderssen Aker-Bjørke (16). The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) has carried out a new survey which shows that 2 out of 10 upper secondary students do not eat breakfast on a daily basis. In the survey, 10,000 pupils were asked. A small number stated that they skip breakfast because they have no food at home. In addition, there are large social differences between those who eat breakfast one or more days and those who never do. Most prevalent among girls Skipping breakfast is more prevalent among girls, young people with a lower socio-economic status and with parents without higher education. A student supplies himself with free porridge. Photo: Juni Hoem / news The majority of those who do not eat breakfast stated that they do not have the time or desire. All students at upper secondary schools in Østfold are offered a free school breakfast or fruit and vegetables. In the Hurdal platform, the government has formulated ambitions for everyone to be offered a simple school meal. Do you eat breakfast? Yes, it is the most important meal of the day! No, I don’t feel like breakfast. Once in a while, if I’m hungry in the morning. Show result Falling asleep in class without breakfast Despite the fact that many skip breakfast, many also depend on food to start the day. The boyfriend and girlfriend Sondre Elias Olsen (17) and Hannah Olivia Tuman Lippert (16) use the offer at Glemmen as often as they can. – I don’t think I had time to eat before school, and then I would probably have eaten in class. But the teacher is not too happy with that, says Olsen. – I become more focused and have more energy. If I don’t have food, I fall asleep in class. Hannah Lippert and Sondre Olsen are ready for class, with porridge in their bellies. – I notice that I am fuller for longer when I eat breakfast at school. I skipped breakfast before, because I didn’t have time for it, explains Mia Sofie Sollihaug Jahren (16). – High school creates a foundation for the way forward, and if you can’t perform because you don’t get to eat, that’s very stupid , says Hanna Bilet (16). The number of schools in Norway with school meals was last surveyed in 2022. According to the Norwegian Journal of Nutrition, 70 percent of all upper secondary schools had some form of school meals. At that time, a free meal was part of the offer at 45 per cent of the schools. – Pupils perform better Camilla Aas (Ap) is head of the education committee in Østfold county municipality. Aas says that they have evaluated the scheme, and that the pupils and staff are very satisfied. Camilla Aas (Ap) believes the measure helps to equalize economic differences. Photo: Rahand Bazaz / news – They say that the meal has contributed positively to the school environment, that the pupils are more calm and focused in class, and that some perform better. The goal is not for everyone to use the scheme, adds Aas. But she sees that universal measures have a broad impact and can have an effect without stigmatizing. – Being able to afford food has become a bigger challenge for many, and here the measures help to equalize such economic differences. In addition to oatmeal, students can help themselves to cold porridge or cereal. Photo: Juni Hoem / news “The most important meal of the day” Many have heard that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. The statement is said to have first been launched in the 20th century as a slogan for the sale of breakfast cereal. Elling Tufte Bere is a senior researcher at FHI and professor of public health at the University of Agder. He explains that there are several studies that describe positive connections with eating breakfast. – There are usually observational studies that show that breakfast has a positive effect. When looking at experimental studies, they often do not confirm these results. Senior researcher at FHI, Elling Tufte Bere, will do more research on the school meals scheme. Photo: University of Agder According to Bere, there is also little evidence in the Norwegian context of the effect of schools offering school breakfasts. He therefore believes there is a need for more research. – We hear that school meals are like a kinder egg. It is good for health, learning and reduces inequality. But if you start from the scientific literature, you know little about what the effect will be. – And when many students do not want or feel like eating breakfast, is it a goal that everyone should? He emphasizes that free breakfast can be a useful offer for those students who want to eat breakfast, but who do not have time or money for food. FHI will continue with research into the school meals scheme. – I think you have to initiate measures before you know what it will lead to. So it is important that you evaluate along the way. Published 01.10.2024, at 05.19
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