In a context where **5 out of 10 children in Argentina live in poverty**, the Buenos Aires Food Bank (BDA) is doubling down on its commitment to vulnerable children through its program **Healthy Breakfasts**, an initiative aimed at ensuring **a complete and nutritious diet** for children between 3 and 12 years old who attend nursery schools, educational support spaces, and social organizations.
During 2024, the program achieved a significant impact: **food was distributed to provide more than 1.6 million healthy breakfasts** to **12,635 children** from **89 organizations** in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area.
In addition to food assistance, the proposal included **nutritional education workshops** for institution leaders, with the aim of promoting the consumption of fruits, cereals, and dairy products, and highlighting the importance of breakfast as the foundation for physical and intellectual development.
The **program evaluation**, conducted by the Center for Studies on Food Policy and Economics (CEPEA), confirmed an improvement in the nutritional quality of breakfasts. Positive **changes in children’s behavior** were also noted: 95% of those surveyed noticed **more energy, better attitude, increased concentration, and a reduction in the consumption of ultra-processed products**.
## **Having a Good Breakfast to Learn and Grow**
Looking ahead to 2025, the BDA aims to **maintain support for 12,000 beneficiaries throughout the year**, consolidating a quality diet and promoting healthy habits from childhood.
“Fernando Uranga,” said **Fernando Uranga**, General Director of the Buenos Aires Food Bank, who also **called on companies and individuals** to join the collective effort.
The Food Bank thus reaffirms a clear mission: that **no child grows up hungry in a country capable of feeding them all**.
## **Breakfast, a Key Tool for Healthy Growth**
In addition to being one of the most important meals of the day, breakfast is essential for the growth and development of children for several key reasons:
### **1. Provides energy to start the day**
After several hours of fasting overnight, the body needs to replenish its glucose levels, which are the main source of energy for the brain and muscles. A good breakfast helps children **stay physically and mentally active** from early on.
### **2. Favors academic performance**
Studies show that children who eat breakfast regularly have **better concentration, memory, attention, and problem-solving skills** at school. A balanced breakfast is directly associated with **higher levels of academic performance**.
### **3. Contributes to physical development**
Breakfast provides **essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, proteins, B vitamins, fiber, and other minerals** that are key to the development of bones, muscles, organs, and the immune system. Skipping this meal can cause nutritional deficits that are difficult to compensate for later in the day.
### **4. Prevents overweight and obesity**
Contrary to popular belief, **skipping breakfast can increase the risk of obesity**. By not having breakfast, children tend to be hungrier during the day, which can lead them to consume unhealthy foods in excess. Additionally, breakfast **helps regulate metabolism**.
### **5. Promotes healthy habits**
Incorporating breakfast into the daily routine teaches children **the importance of a balanced diet**, promotes a positive relationship with food, and establishes solid foundations for a healthy life in the long term.
A complete breakfast for a child should include at least three food groups: **dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), whole grains or bread, and fresh fruits**. Including a **source of protein** (such as eggs or nuts, depending on age) can also be very beneficial.
*Source: Buenos Aires Food Bank.*
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