Junk food choices = junk brains

As someone who cares a lot about the food we eat and where it comes from, I’ve noticed that many of the places where kids and families get food—whether it’s in schools or at soup kitchens—don’t always have the healthiest options. It’s no secret that school cafeterias often serve food that’s far from ideal. From greasy pizza slices to processed chicken nuggets, it seems like schools are left to provide convenient, low-cost meals rather than giving students access to nutritious choices. Even at my school, Germantown Academy, the food options are often junk. While I totally understand that schools have tight budgets, it’s frustrating to see fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains left out of the picture. I think it’s important for students to not just learn about healthy eating in the classroom but also have the chance to practice it during lunchtime.

The situation isn’t much better at many soup kitchens. While they’re doing incredible work to fight hunger, a lot of the food they offer is canned or highly processed because it’s cheaper and has a longer shelf life. People coming in for a meal might be struggling with food insecurity, but they deserve access to healthy food, too. When we don’t have access to balanced meals, it can impact our energy, mood, and overall health—especially for kids and teens who are still growing. There is a clear correlation on consumption of junk food and negative effects on the adolescent brain, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet rich in whole foods during this critical period of development.

Impact on Cognitive Development: A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health in 2018 found that children who consumed more junk food and highly processed foods had lower scores on cognitive tests compared to those who ate more nutrient-dense foods. This suggests that diets high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods can impact brain functions like memory, learning, and concentration.

Higher Risk of Mental Health Issues: A 2019 study from the Journal of Adolescent Health revealed that adolescents who frequently consumed fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks were 51% more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety compared to their peers who consumed more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. The high sugar and fat content in junk food can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance, which are associated with increased risk of depression.

Negative Impact on Brain Plasticity: Brain plasticity is crucial during the teenage years, as the brain is still developing. A study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience in 2020 indicated that diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars impair the brain’s ability to change and adapt (plasticity). This is particularly concerning for teenagers, as brain plasticity plays a key role in learning, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

Memory and Attention Deficits: A 2022 study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience showed that adolescents who consumed high levels of junk food had lower performance on memory tests and were more likely to have attention deficits. This is partly due to the impact of junk food on the hippocampus, a brain region important for memory and learning.

I recently came across an article that talks about this issue in such an insightful way. The Philadelphia Citizen highlights how one local organization is working to change the conversation around food insecurity in Philly. They focus on making sure that food banks, soup kitchens, and other support systems are providing not just enough food, but better food. Check out the article here. It’s all about how we can make a shift toward offering more nutritious options for people who need it most.

Reading it really made me think about how we can make small changes to improve the food system, even in our own communities. Maybe that means pushing for healthier choices in our school cafeterias or organizing drives that focus on fresh produce instead of just non-perishables. It’s up to us to keep advocating for better food—whether we’re eating in the school cafeteria or sharing a meal at a local soup kitchen.

Let’s continue the conversation and find ways to make our food systems more equitable and nutritious for everyone. What changes do you think we could make to bring healthier food options to schools and soup kitchens?