|
The Impact of Nutrition on LearningLuke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom
and stature,
and in favor
with God and men. NKJV
A cursory internet search on the topic of the impact of nutrition on learning will produce multiple hits from multiple perspectives. The overwhelming evidence is that good nutrition enhances and empowers learning. The same evidence supports the fact that poor nutrition hinders and threatens a healthy learning experience. A good healthy breakfast on school day, for example, might be the most important factor that influences student performance and behavior.
When one combines poor nutrition with substandard environmental conditions at home, school and community, a student’s intellectual, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being is at risk.
Healthy people are holistically healthy. Nutrition, therefore, must meet all of a students’needs: intellectual, physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Luke 2:52 above highlights our Lord’s progress as a youth. Dr. Luke, the author of the gospel, was a medical doctor and personal physician to the Apostle Paul. Luke is clear: Jesus increased intellectually (wisdom), physically (stature), socially (favor with man) and spiritually (favor with God). Our Lord sets the standard for all young people.
Students in urban school districts face two major dilemmas. First, declining enrollment means fewer dollars to spend in the classroom. Second, many times the effort of administrators to direct dollars to the classroom and cafeteria lacks resolve and tenacity. The whole child, not just academic performance, should always be in view. To ignore holistic health for children is to increase the odds for eventual failure. It doesn’t end at high school.
While we are concerned about these difficult realities, many students manage to succeed. When they do, community colleges like WCCCD stand ready to help them move onward and upward. We are blessed to have one of the finest community colleges in the state of Michigan. It is top notch by nearly every standard. It also needs our continued support and encouragement in recognition of its commendable stewardship in service to our community. Attractive tuition and outstanding academic program appeal to many of our citizens.
|
CARRIE L. CONNOR is a community activist and a Detroit resident. She holds a BA in Business, a MA in Sociology and a MA in Counseling. 
DR. KENNETH E. HARRIS is Pastor of Detroit Baptist Temple and serves as Chairman of the Education Committee of the Council. Dr. Harris is a noted Lecturer and Biblical Scholar serving as Professor at both Ashland Theological Seminary and the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit. 
DR. JOSEPH R. JORDAN is Pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church in Hamtramck. Pastor Jordan is the immediate past President of the Council of Baptist Pastors, and it was under his leadership that the "Baptist Times Magazine" was given official approval. He continues to offer leadership and guidance to this endeavor. 
DR. LYN LEWIS is a retired professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Detroit Mercy. She holds a PhD in Sociology. She has written several articles and is completing two books. She is a well-sought-after speaker, therapist, evaluator and researcher. She is the founder and president of Lyn Lewis and Associates, Inc. Her email address is lewisle@udmercy.edu. 
