Nutrition has been at the center of much research. It has been linked to future ailments, neonatal deficiencies (Fall, 2013), cognitive function, behavioral issues, physical developmental wellness, and emotional stress (Martins, et al., 2011; Schoemaker, et al., 2015; World health Organization, 2020), not to leave behind the chronic stress that food insecurities can express (Black, 2012). During the past two political landscapes, the nutritional value of school meals have been redesign to meet the nutritional standards in the inclusion of more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a reduction in sugar and salt (USDA, 2014), and more recently during the previous administration to allow schools more control of food service, providing for the nutritional balance best suited for local preference (USDA, 2018). In the spirit of advocating for early childhood and families, my simulation has the possibility of shedding light on what the local preferences is and how focused nutritional implementation can be attained that will service the particular population. Population demographics will provide further agreement in understanding how the particular populations perceive of nutrition. Additionally, data acquired about mental wellness within its operational definition can lend to further inquiries or explorations about how to best apply the nutritional components necessary for healthy development.
I anticipate that conducting my simulation proposal will benefit early learners, educators, and families. I reason that my simulation will inform policy makers, educational administrators, and ultimately National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Blanket policy for the provision of nutritional components need to take the populations needs into consideration. Further, my simulation proposal may benefit other inquiring minds that may want to study any of the other variables that may arise from the individual narrative that the participants will provide.
My perception of the early childhood profession has been strengthened as a result of this course. I am able to look at research and researchers in a whole new light. As we move towards the endless need to stay informed, I am better equipped to understand the key components of the presenting studies. What’s more, I understand that I may have to make Trochim, Donnelly, & Arora (2016) a daily companion to ensure competencies in this most important practice in becoming a more rounded agent of change.
Special thanks go out to my peers and professor for providing such interesting topics, perspectives, and personal reflections.
References
Black, M. (2012, June). Household food insecurities: Threats to children’s well-being. The SES Indicator Newsletter. http://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/indicator/2012/06/household-food-insecurities
Fall C. H. (2013). Fetal malnutrition and long-term outcomes. Nestle Nutrition Institute workshop series, 74, 11–25. https://doi.org/10.1159/000348384
Martins, V. J., Toledo Florêncio, T. M., Grillo, L. P., do Carmo P Franco, M., Martins, P. A., Clemente, A. P., Santos, C. D., de Fatima A Vieira, M., & Sawaya, A. L. (2011). Long-lasting effects of undernutrition. International journal of environmental research and public health, 8(6), 1817–1846. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8061817
Schoenmaker, C., Juffer, F., van IJzendoorn, M. H., van den Dries, L., Linting, M., van deVoort, A., & Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J. (2015). Cognitive and health-related outcomes after exposure to early malnutrition: The Leiden longitudinal study of international adoptees. Children and Youth Services Review, 48, 80–86. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.12.010
USDA, (2014). Proposed Rule: Local chools wellness policy implementation under the Healthy-Hunger Free Kids Act. 2010. https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/02/26/2014-04100/local-school-wellness-policy-implementation-under-the-healthy-hunger-free-kids-act-of-2010
USDA (2018). Final Rule: Final Rule: Child Nutrition Program Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements. https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/fr-121218
World Health Organization, (2020). Malnutrition. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
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