RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has highlighted the importance of providing children with a balanced and nutritious breakfast as schools across Saudi Arabia prepare to reopen on Sunday, Aug. 23, marking the start of the new academic year.

The SFDA said a healthy breakfast provides children with the energy and essential nutrients they need to support growth, learning, physical activity, and concentration, making it particularly important as students return to school.

In its back-to-school guidelines, the authority encouraged parents to include a variety of nutritious foods in their children’s breakfast. It noted that adding fruits and vegetables can help diversify children’s diets while providing important vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that contribute to healthy growth and overall well-being.

The SFDA recommended that a balanced breakfast include milk or other dairy products, grains, preferably whole grains, a source of protein, fruits or vegetables, and a moderate amount of fat.

The guidance aims to encourage healthier eating habits among schoolchildren and help parents provide nutritious meals that support their children’s daily activities and learning.