School breakfast programmes for adolescents. Literature review

Regular breakfast consumption by adolescents is related to greater nutrient intake and health-promoting behaviours; improved academic performance, cognitive function, and cardiometabolic measures; and healthy weight maintenance.

Many New Zealand adolescents do not consume breakfast regularly; in particular females, Maori, Pacific, and those living in more deprived areas. A variety of sociocultural, demographic, environmental and personal factors have been identified as encouraging regular breakfast consumption, including a supportive family and peer environment. The two most common reasons stated for not consuming breakfast are lack of time in the morning, and not feeling hungry.

In an attempt to decrease inequities and improve health, social, and academic outcomes for vulnerable young people by increasing access to food, the provision of free or subsidised breakfasts within the school environment has been implemented in several countries.