It's back to school time again. As children head back to class, healthy meals and snacks each day will help ensure they receive the energy they need to stay alert and engaged.

"Students that maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet are better able to meet the academic challenges presented each school day," says Wendy Wong, the president and CEO of Breakfast for Learning. "There is an established link between proper nutrition and learning and by ensuring students receive healthy foods, we also ensure they have the fuel needed to participate fully in class, giving them the best chance at success."

School days can get hectic but Breakfast for Learning offers these tips to help ensure students eat well to learn well:

• Get a head start each day with a healthy breakfast. Breakfast should include one item from at least three food groups, like whole grain cereal with skim milk and sliced fruit.

• Post a copy of Canada's Food Guide to help remind children and youth to get their daily recommended servings of each food group.

• Pack nutritious lunches for school and keep a variety of healthy food options readily available for breakfasts and snacks on-the-go, including fruit, pre-cut veggies, or yogurt in squeezable tubes.

• Encourage students to choose healthier cafeteria options, such as water and milk instead of soft drinks, or veggies and dip instead of fries.

"When students are poorly nourished, teachers and principals report higher rates of absenteeism and more in-class distractions," continued Ms. Wong. "In comparison, well-nourished students show better memory, problem-solving skills and creative abilities - their overall capacity to learn improves. Help give children a bright start to the new school year by making proper nutrition a priority, getting involved in your local student nutrition program, or supporting Breakfast for Learning's vision to ensure every child in Canada attends school well-nourished and ready to learn."

More information is available online at www.breakfastforlearning.ca.