Welcome. The project started from a placement at university. Looking at the situation of school gardens in Thunder Bay, Ontario. There are many pieces of the puzzle and eco-justice, social justice, food security and education all find a home at my Blog.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Food Literacy, curriculum and more....





I came across an interesting term tonight... food literacy. It sounded to me like something to do with reading at school, so I read more. Basically food literacy is the ability to organize one's everyday nutrition in a self-determined, responsible and enjoyable way.


As society changes and people's lives are more rushed, there is a danger that knowledge about food and nutrition is lost.  More and more people know less and less about where food is coming from, how it is produced and how to cook it. This results in increasing health risks with the subsequent economic costs of poor nutrition.


With increasing food scandals and food borne illnesses ( see the FDA website on recalled foods and products), contradictory advise about diet and nutrition and the loss of food culture, more and more pressure is added onto society.


This brought me to wonder about nutrition education in schools. Do kids today know where their food comes from or even what fresh food looks like? British chef, Jamie Oliver did a test in an elementary school in West Virginia as part of his Food Revolution movement. I share with you this link. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGYs4KS_djg


A 2010 study by the Dietitians of Canada reported that well-nourished children are better prepared to learn, be active, and maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. This places schools in a unique position to educate students about nutrition and health while also encouraging good eating habits.
In 2010 the Government of Ontario also updated their School Food and Beverage Policy with new standards for the nutritional content of food and beverages sold in schools. By offering healthy foods and snacks through school cafeterias and vending machines students are given the opportunity to make healthy food choices. This new policy also helps to mitigate the rising incidences of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in children. 
In Ontario, several private organizations have taken the initiative to start food literacy education in schools. In Thunder Bay, Slow Foods Superior, Roots to Harvest and several others are working on food culture initiatives with students. Gardens are also planted in the schools with support from parents and enthusiastic teachers.


Below is some information about food literacy and curriculum
http://www.ccfn.ca/in_action/fact_sheets.asp
http://www.ontarioecoschools.org/
http://www.thestop.org/sustainable-food-systems-education


I've just read a BBC news article about a new program in Scotland to encourage eating local. The article is under: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-12351193


To this I also add another article about growing fruit trees on every street... Kind of makes sense!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11435650

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