Photographs: Pexels
Text: Monika Pedersen
Food and drink are the essence of sustaining good health. Access to health care, a secure home and family are among many other factors that promote well-being. Good nourishment is essential for everyone, young and old, for it is vital in ensuring the body can function, grow, and repair itself.
With that in mind and being one amongst people in this privileged position of having resources for good food, it is fascinating to observe the value placed upon, as well as the interaction and relationship folk have with food.
No canteens
Firstly, it is interesting to note that most Danish schools do not have a school canteen. On my arrival here in Denmark, I was taken aback by the lack of such a facility. It is standard practice for any Dane but quite an eye-opener for an international teacher. The norm in an international school is an inviting canteen where a range of different food such as warm offerings, a cold buffet, fruit, snacks, and drinks can be purchased. These are displayed in an appealing way to entice even the pickiest eaters. Often, these canteens are open in the morning to provide students with the chance to eat breakfast, as well as at break time and for lunch.
In the UK and USA, there is also a culture of providing lunch for students coming from households with challenging economic circumstances. The food consumed at school may be the only meal many underprivileged students have each day. This clearly highlights the importance of a food hub, and this was much reported on during the Covid shutdown when these young people did not have this opportunity.
Good food is fundamental
Nevertheless, in Danish schools and many international schools in Denmark, students are expected to bring food from home. This is where the opportunity to observe food habits presents itself.
Primary students often have three food boxes: a morning snack box or a lunch pack, and if they are staying for afternoon care and activities, then there is an afternoon snack box. These boxes are packed full!
The food boxes are often a reflection of a child's culture, with some exquisite Japanese sushi-filled boxes, Asian-inspired rice meals, classic Danish open sandwiches, and many examples of European dishes.
It is wonderful to see most children eat their food with relish. And while they do, they chat and enjoy each other's company in the same way that adults do. It is a little disappointing that this all takes place in the classroom and not in a refectory so children can experience an environment associated explicitly with food, relaxation, and enjoyment. Research studies confirm that eating in non-stressful and relaxed situations ensures a better relationship between food, digestion, and dietary health.
Older students have the privilege to go out of school to purchase their food, so their experience is a little more varied. However, very often, this leads to poor food choices with a lot of processed and sugary foods and drinks being purchased which also has its consequences.
"Food fuels the body and the brain and thus is a fundamental requirement in a person's life. In a society where it is plentiful and readily available, there should be no reason for issues."
Change
As Danes place a high priority on good food, it is heartening to see that the MAPP Centre at Aarhus University has carried out a nationwide study, as requested by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA), wanted to gain an understanding of the number of Danish local authorities and schools that focus on healthy food and food enjoyment, and to have an overview of the initiatives that can be instilled to create a healthy food culture among Danish school children. This has sparked a movement to place good eating habits on the political agenda. Some authorities, 'Kommuner' as they are called in Denmark, are now introducing a meal scheme where breakfast and lunch options are being introduced. This is a very encouraging change of mindset. Additionally, it needs to be noted that many Danish schools have home economics classes, 'madlavningskurser' from class 4 on the schedule, which teach children about food and how to cook simple dishes so they are able in later years to cook for themselves and to have a better appreciation of food; thereby giving them essential life skills. I have been privileged enough to teach this class so I can truly advocate for its worth.
Consequences
Sadly, there are children whose parents do not place such a strong emphasis on nutrition. Instead of a range of fresh fruit and nutritious treats, there is junk food, namely processed food, biscuits, highly sugary breakfast cereals, and salty snacks. Research reveals there is a correlation between healthy eating and cognitive development, concentration levels, and memory recall. The research indicates that students with poor diets are often less likely to perform well academically. The deficiency also impacts a child emotionally as they struggle to make decisions, solve problems and regulate their emotions. Young people need vitamins and good minerals in the body to fuel their brains and feed their energy and growth.
Long-term poor food choices can lead to long-term health issues such as obesity. Statistics reveal that in Denmark, 18% of children between 9-16 suffer from obesity, which can last into adulthood. These children are more often from homesteads with parents with limited education and economic constraints.
A lack of a good diet can also lead to mental health issues. The brain needs nourishment, and any restriction of food can lead to a tendency to negative thinking, an inability to deal with stressful situations, and, in the most severe circumstances, a leaning towards suicidal thoughts.
Reflections
Food fuels the body and the brain and thus is a fundamental requirement in a person's life. In a society where it is plentiful and readily available, there should be no reason for issues. Unfortunately, this is not always the case; thus, the spotlight on its importance needs to remain to ensure the next generation is healthy and able to tackle the obstacles of a challenging world.