Early intervention and equipping young people with the tools and knowledge they need to truly understand food sets them up for a lifetime of healthy habits to support their minds, bodies, and the wider environment too.
School is the perfect place for children to learn about food systems and nutrition, but for young people across the nation this isn’t necessarily happening.
We all know that learning about food is important, and that this knowledge can help us take steps to lead happier, healthier lives. But what about our children?
Last year, the government initiated a review of the national school curriculum in England to ensure the system is fit for purpose and meeting the needs of all children. Responding to its call for evidence, charity School Food Matters submitted several key recommendationsurging policymakers to put food education at the heart of the curriculum, arguing that every child should leave school with an informed and positive relationship with food.
Schools need to embrace food education and actively encourage children to get involved in understanding how food can impact the health of both people and the planet. This starts with putting food education on the curriculum – here’s why it’s so important.
Improving health outcomes
A survey by the NHS published last year found that one in eight children between the ages of two and 10 in England are obese, putting them at risk of developing numerous health conditions later in life, including heart disease and type two diabetes.
Millions of school children and young people across the globe are consuming diets high in sugar, salt and saturated fat with minimal fruits and vegetables – and many simply aren’t aware of the impact these dietary habits are having on their bodies. We can’t expect young people to automatically have this knowledge – they need to be educated.
Integrating food education into the school curriculum means young people are given the opportunity to learn about the role of nutrition and what different foods can do for their health. For instance, that excessive sugar can lead to disrupted blood sugar levels, tooth decay and mood swings, but that protein can support their energy levels, growth and development.
The school environment also offers a safe space for children to ask questions and experiment under the guidance of a qualified teacher, giving them the opportunity to learn even more. Without this knowledge and learning, nothing will change.
A more sustainable future
Integrating food education into the curriculum also means teaching young people about the role of food systems and sustainable food practices.
Lessons on growing, gardening and farming gives children hands-on experience and helps them develop the skills and habits needed to make healthy choices for the planet, as well as for their own wellbeing. And if schools have access to their own gardens, that’s even better.
Giving young people the chance to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs can help them learn about plant lifecycles, sustainable agriculture, seasonal ingredients, gardening techniques and the importance of fresh, locally sourced produce.
Understanding the environment and the long-term impact of food production has never been more important as we grapple with the effects of climate change, threats to food security and destabilised food systems.
It’s young people who face a future of potentially worsening climate disasters, so it’s crucial that schools intervene early and provide children with the skills and knowledge to work towards a greener future.
Sharing with family, friends and communities
Research highlighted in the National Library of Medicine demonstrates the role of parents, carers and the wider family in shaping children’s education, health and life experiences.
This is a two-way street, and it’s natural that children will share what they have learnt at school with their families, friends and communities, particularly if it’s a subject that has clear real-world relevance, such as cooking and nutrition.
Learning about the nutrients we need to function at our best and the seasonal ingredients that support local farmers is important to understand – no matter your age – and children who have this knowledge have the power to improve outcomes for their families and communities.
Education has ripple effects, and we shouldn’t ignore the impact this can have on improving outcomes for everyone.
Final thoughts
Integrating food education into the curriculum makes sense from both a health and sustainability perspective, and schools should be prioritising these valuable lessons.
Improving the health of the nation starts with education, and this is even more effective with early intervention. Food education that allows students to take ownership of their learning and pass these lessons on to their wider communities can only be a good thing, and we need to make sure this is happening in schools across the nation.
Young people deserve to learn how to fuel their bodies properly and how to take care of their planet, and it’s down to the education system to make this happen.
Stephanie Spratt is founder and CEO of education catering specialist, Olive Dining
