GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – As the 2026–2027 school year got underway this week, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is encouraging parents, guardians and caregivers to help school-aged children adopt healthy eating habits and active lifestyles.
Nutritious meals are essential for children to perform at their best in school. A balanced breakfast, healthy lunch and nutritious snacks provide complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals that support brain function, concentration and sustain energy throughout the school day.
Children who eat nutritious meals are generally better able to concentrate in class, retain information and maintain steady energy levels. Skipping meals or consuming foods and beverages that are high in sugar and low in nutrients can contribute to fatigue, mood changes and difficulty concentrating, which may negatively affect learning and classroom participation.
The start of a new school year provides an excellent opportunity for families to establish or reinforce healthy eating routines. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein in children’s daily meals.
Preparing healthy lunches and involving children in selecting nutritious foods can also help them understand the importance of good nutrition and take greater responsibility for their health. Healthy habits developed during childhood can continue into adolescence and adulthood.
CPS recommends the following measures for children and adolescents: Begin every school day with a nutritious breakfast.
Pack healthy school snacks, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and whole-grain products.
Encourage children to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Introduce children to locally available fruits, including mangoes, guavas, soursop and passion fruit. Limit packaged snacks and other foods that are high in calories but low in essential nutrients.
Reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and other sugary beverages.
Promote water as the preferred drink throughout the day.
Create opportunities at home for families to prepare and eat meals together. Teach children how to make informed and balanced food choices.
Encourage regular physical activity and reduce prolonged periods of inactivity.
Good nutrition supports more than academic performance. It also contributes to emotional well-being, strengthens the immune system and supports healthy growth and development. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, may contribute to increased absenteeism, behavioural challenges and chronic health conditions, including obesity and diabetes.
Ensuring that children have access to wholesome, balanced meals is an important part of creating a healthy and supportive learning environment. CPS therefore encourages parents and guardians to make nutritious meals, healthy snacks, adequate water consumption and regular physical activity priorities throughout the new school year.
CPS calls on families, schools and the wider community to continue working together to build a healthier and more enriched Sint Maarten by promoting positive lifestyle choices.
Healthy choices contribute to healthy children, stronger families and a healthier community.
For additional information, contact CPS at 542-1122, 542-1222 or 542-3003, or email CPSHealthPromo@sintmaartengov.org
