FOOD LITERACY E XPANDING N UTRITION E DUCATION IN THE C LASSROOM Kathleen Dechadenedes, Director, sCool Food Initiative Melissa Bishop, Programs Manager, sCool 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 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

W HAT W E RE E XPLORING T ODAY Nutrition education in the context of food literacy The many facets of food literacy Ways to incorporate food literacy into current standards-based lessons

N UTRITION E DUCATION : N OT T ELLING THE W HOLE S TORY Conventional nutrition education provides nutrient-specific information and the cause/effect relationship between diet, exercise, and the health of the body Doesnt always take the steps to understand food

N UTRITION E DUCATION : N OT T ELLING THE W HOLE S TORY Nutrition education needs to have more of a connection with food, history and current global conditions

N UTRITION E DUCATION : N OT T ELLING THE W HOLE S TORY History Common food practices of our parents and grandparents Changes in health of the population over time How does food relate to these changes?

N UTRITION E DUCATION : N OT T ELLING THE W HOLE S TORY Other Cultures Looking at the health of different nations at the same point in time Japan Mediterranean United States

F OOD L ITERACY 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

F OOD L ITERACY : A GRICULTURE Where its grown How its grown When its grown What it looks like

F OOD L ITERACY : E NVIRONMENT How its grown Where it comes from How its transported How its disposed of

F OOD L ITERACY : F OOD P REPARATION What its used for How to cook it How to eat it How to keep it safe Where to buy it

F OOD L ITERACY : C OMMUNITY & C ULTURE Who supports it Who grows it What culture uses it Cultural connections with food

F OOD L ITERACY : N UTRITION How it impacts health How much you need **Nutrition is one component, not the ONLY message

F OOD L ITERACY & S TANDARDS -B ASED L EARNING 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