In what way do English primary schools currently address food literacy? How could food literacy improve primary school food education policy to support transitions to sustainable diets?
Schools are widely considered as the best place for food education, yet it remains underutilised as a food systems policy tool, with policy recommendations often focused on school meals. This research aims to contribute to the evidence about how English primary schools address food education and how food literacy can be applied to improve food education policy that equips children with the skills and knowledge they need to consume sustainable diets.
Through the lens of food literacy – a comprehensive term that includes sustainability, sociocultural topics and food skills – this research will include:
- Analysis of what food education is called in primary education
- Mapping primary food education system actors and activities,
- Case studies of English primary schools to understand how curriculums and teachers address food literacy
- Co-creation of food literacy tools for school staff.
This Doctoral Studentship is funded by the School of Health and Psychological Sciences at City St George’s, University of London and is being undertaken by Kim Smith and runs from September 2022 to September 2029.
Image by Richard Murgatroyd courtesy of the Nutrition Society.
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