At some point in our lives we have all been told that we should eat healthy, I myself have been told more times than I can count. There has recently been a focus on providing healthy food options for children at school. Like any other new idea, it has its supporters and detractors, in this case discussing topics such as the benefits of nutrition, children's willingness to eat healthy foods, and freedom of choice. Should more healthy food options be offered in schools? Yes, they should, and here's why. First of all, there are recent studies that have shown that offering healthy foods in schools can increase children's academic performance in the classroom. A Reuter article titled “A Healthy Diet Means Better Academic Performance” refers to a 2008 study conducted by the University of Alberta in Edmonton on a group of 4,589 fifth graders in Nova Scotia. The study found that “students who ate adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, protein, fiber, and other components of a healthy diet were significantly less likely to fail a literacy test” (Nicholson 3). Another Examiner article titled “Healthy school lunches impact children's ability to learn” references two additional studies that reached similar conclusions. A two-year 2008 study involving 2,000 students led by Dr. Arthur Agatston of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that “adding more nutritional foods to the school lunch menu improved the academic performance with math scores, seeing the greatest improvement.”(Nicholson 2.). The other study discussed in the article was conducted by Jonathon James, a student researcher at the University of Essex in 2009 and found that students who ate healthy lunches attended lectures… middle of paper… ption of junk food and healthy food the student chooses junk food, it doesn't hurt to provide the healthy option. So, why should healthier food options be provided in schools? Well, for starters there is significant evidence that shows it can raise our children's test scores. Children are the future of our nation and we want our children to succeed, education is a key part of this. Of course there is also the fact that healthy food translates into better physical health, who among us doesn't want our children to lead long and healthy lives? The concern about freedom of choice is legitimate, however it is unjustified since it is about offering healthy food as an option. We have also found that when you offer healthy food options, children will eat them, if students will eat them and it can benefit them, our schools should include these options.