Food Literacy

What is food literacy?

Food literacy is the understanding and knowledge that people have about food. Knowing where food comes from, how it is grown and prepared, and where and why we eat it are all a part of food literacy.  

Food literacy includes skills around nutrition, cooking, food safety, and sustainable food choices. It goes beyond basic nutrition knowledge. Food literacy aims to empower people to navigate our complicated food environment. This can help them to make informed decisions about the food they eat.

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Why is food literacy important?

Being food literate can help to create a healthy relationship with food. It can also contribute to health and wellness throughout life.

Food literacy gives students the skills and knowledge to make food decisions, now and in the future. It can help them understand how food systems, marketing, planning and preparing meals, and food choices impact our health and the environment.

Food literacy is now part of the Ontario Elementary Science and Technology Curriculum.

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How can students (and adults) learn more about food literacy?

Many of the BrightBites School Climate topics promote food literacy! Check out Cook It Up or Green Thumb for ideas to incorporate food literacy at school. You can also find examples of food literacy activities and cross-curriculum connections such as Cook, Bake, and Learn, or Garden, Grow, and Learn.

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