The Regional Director for Prevention and Control of Dependencies stated in Fenais da Ajuda that the adherence to the implementation of the "Breakfast Club" project on S. Miguel reinforces the objective of extending this initiative to all preschool establishments in the Azores.
"The commitment and dedication demonstrated by the School Health Team of São Miguel Health Unit (USISM) and the six local authorities, from the very first hour, reveal the pertinence of this initiative, which should cover as many students as possible," stressed Suzete Frias.
The Regional Director spoke at Fenais da Ajuda Basic Education School, municipality of Ribeira Grande, where children were offered a healthy breakfast. On the occasion, she noted that this initiative is a good example of cooperation between institutions in the implementation of public policies for the benefit of citizens.
"It is necessary to continue this enthusiasm, ensuring students and guardians the best we can give them: healthy living habits and health literacy," stressed the government official.
An initiative of USISM School Health Team, the "Breakfast Club" began in December and falls within the School Health goals stipulated by the Regional Directorate for Prevention and Control of Dependencies.
The project, which covers 66 preschool establishments on S. Miguel and total of 2,500 students and 1,400 parents, took into account the results of the 2016-2017 Risk Behaviour Surveillance System, which chose food as a mandatory theme to be developed by School Health.
The "Breakfast Club" falls within the School Health Activity Plan, being in line with the goals of the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Healthy Eating, an initiative primarily aimed at young people.
The action is implemented with the support of local authorities. It includes the preparation of two model breakfasts per quarter, involving, involving, besides children, the teaching and non-teaching communities as well as the parents of preschool children.
For Suzete Frias, this is an opportunity for parents and children to acquire knowledge about the properties and correct use of food.
"This is a time when parents, members of School Health teams and children have this meal together, which helps, for example, parents to convey the idea that breakfast is a healthy and important habit to be maintained throughout life," said the Regional Director.
Suzete Frias recalled that the option for a breakfast rich in fibre and protein increases children's concentration and memory, being necessary functions for a good performance at school.
"There are studies pointing out that a daily breakfast, in addition to being an important measure to control obesity, has other long-term health benefits, such as reduced hypertension, heart disease and diabetes," said the Regional Director.
Childhood overweight reaches 32.5% of Azorean children and teenagers, with increased consumption of foods with high energy density, such as sugary beverages, being the main causes of this problem.
Under its strategies for food, physical activity and health, the Regional Programme for Healthy Eating recommends an increase in the consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as the promotion of breakfast.