FOOD LITERACYEXPANDING NUTRITION EDUCATION IN THE CLASSROOM

Kathleen Dechadenedes, Director, s’Cool Food Initiative

Melissa Bishop, Programs Manager, s’Cool Food Initiative

Melissa Sartoris, Dietetic Intern, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

“FAST” FOOD FACTS The average American consumes 1,996.3 pounds of

food per year 141.6 pounds from sweeteners 42 pounds from corn syrup 29 pounds of French fries 23 pounds of pizza 24 pounds of ice cream 53 gallons of soda

90% of vegetables grown in the US when the country was founded are now extinct

Only 20% of adults eat the recommended 3 servings of vegetables per day

Only 23% of US meals include a vegetable

WHAT WE’RE EXPLORING TODAY

Nutrition education in the context of food literacy

The many facets of food literacy

Ways to incorporate food literacy into current standards-based lessons

NUTRITION EDUCATION : NOT TELLING THE WHOLE STORY

Conventional nutrition education provides nutrient-specific information and the cause/effect relationship between diet, exercise, and the health of the body

Doesn’t always take the steps to understand food

NUTRITION EDUCATION : NOT TELLING THE WHOLE STORY

Nutrition education needs to have more of a connection with food, history and current global conditions

NUTRITION EDUCATION : NOT TELLING THE WHOLE STORY

History

Common food practices of our parents and grandparents

Changes in health of the population over time

How does food relate to these changes?

NUTRITION EDUCATION : NOT TELLING THE WHOLE STORY

Other Cultures

Looking at the health of different nations at the same point in time Japan Mediterranean United States

FOOD LITERACY Literacy (noun) – the quality or state of being

educated or cultured; having knowledge or competence.

Food literacy touches on every aspect of our food system, from field to fork Agriculture Environment Food Preparation Community & Culture Nutrition

Teaching food literacy is interdisciplinary: can address education standards in other areas

FOOD LITERACY : AGRICULTURE

Where it’s grown

How it’s grown

When it’s grown

What it looks like

FOOD LITERACY : ENVIRONMENT

How it’s grown

Where it comes from

How it’s transported

How it’s disposed of

FOOD LITERACY : FOOD PREPARATION

What it’s used for

How to cook it

How to eat it

How to keep it safe

Where to buy it

FOOD LITERACY : COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Who supports it

Who grows it

What culture uses it

Cultural connections with food

FOOD LITERACY : NUTRITION

How it impacts health

How much you need

**Nutrition is one component, not the ONLY message

FOOD LITERACY & STANDARDS-BASED LEARNING Kids are curious about food and like to hear

stories about their food

Food is a naturally engaging subject

Can meet standards for: English Language Arts Health Education History & Social Science Mathematics Physical Education Science