Bill 216
Food Literacy for Students Act, 2020
An Act to amend the Education Act in respect of food literacy
Food Literacy for Students Act, 2020
An Act to amend the Education Act in respect of food literacy
Bill 216, Food Literacy for Students, 2020 has passed its Second Reading in the Ontario Legislature. The Bill currently awaits review by the Standing Committee in the Legislative Assembly, before a final vote. If this Bill passes, it will change the Ontario Education Act to include food education for all students from K-12.
Food literacy, including experiential or hands-on skills learned in gardens and kitchens, is critical for making healthy food choices that enable self-reliance and improve human health. Experiential food literacy and skills instruction in every grade starting in grade 1 will allow students to learn how to make healthier food choices that are critical to life-long health.
Requiring school boards to offer experiential food literacy education will equip Ontario students with essential life skills and the knowledge and confidence to grow, prepare and choose healthy food that will support positive health outcomes and help reduce health care costs.
The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) endorses Bill 216 and advocates that qualified Family Studies Educators be closely involved in curriculum development and delivery of proposed food literacy.
Read OHEA’s Letter of Support for Bill 216 here
Read details of Bill 216 – Food Literacy for Students, 2020 here
Food literacy, including experiential or hands-on skills learned in gardens and kitchens, is critical for making healthy food choices that enable self-reliance and improve human health. Experiential food literacy and skills instruction in every grade starting in grade 1 will allow students to learn how to make healthier food choices that are critical to life-long health.
Requiring school boards to offer experiential food literacy education will equip Ontario students with essential life skills and the knowledge and confidence to grow, prepare and choose healthy food that will support positive health outcomes and help reduce health care costs.
The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) endorses Bill 216 and advocates that qualified Family Studies Educators be closely involved in curriculum development and delivery of proposed food literacy.
Read OHEA’s Letter of Support for Bill 216 here
Read details of Bill 216 – Food Literacy for Students, 2020 here
Food Literacy ~ A Lifelong Commitment
by Mary Carver, P.H.Ec
In an ideal world, food education would begin in the home, be expanded throughout each grade in school and become a lifelong interest for all.
by Mary Carver, P.H.Ec
In an ideal world, food education would begin in the home, be expanded throughout each grade in school and become a lifelong interest for all.
"Two keywords appear in definitions of food literacy – ‘knowledge and skills.’"
"The Food Literacy for Life Study (2013) describes “a set of skills and attributes that help people sustain the daily preparation of healthy, tasty, affordable meals for themselves and their families.” Knowledge of food security and local food further explains food literacy."
Food Literacy Petition Advocacy
OHEA called upon the Government of Ontario to make at least one food and nutrition course compulsory as part of our food literacy efforts. This petition, with a 5,000 signature goal, inspired other groups to advocate for food literacy and triggered media interest as well as comments.
View the Petition Here
OHEA called upon the Government of Ontario to make at least one food and nutrition course compulsory as part of our food literacy efforts. This petition, with a 5,000 signature goal, inspired other groups to advocate for food literacy and triggered media interest as well as comments.
View the Petition Here
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Janet K. (Ontario)
"As a culinary historian I'm shocked at how little food literacy the youth (and adults) have today. Health costs could easily be offset by food and nutrition skill. Also, the more we know about food the more important sustainability becomes." |
Laura B. (Ontario)
"I see this as an essential life skill that is being lost and is having an increasingly negative impact on society as a whole. This curriculum would cost a faction of what health care and social costs will be without rebuilding healthy food preparation and family meal connections." |
Sarah G. (Ontario)
"I think all students should have equal opportunities to learn this important information!" |
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Time to Get Cooking!
These farm groups are building lifelong customers by teaching kids how to help themselves in the kitchen
OHEA is featured in this article that focuses on food literacy and includes information about the OHEA petition and Homegrown, including two recipes from the book! |
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CBC News speaks to OFA General Manager Neil Currie about their Six by Sixteen campaign.
OHEA is proud to be mentioned as a supporter! |
Do we need to re-think Healthy Eating?
Check out this TVO interview with Steve Paikin of TVO and Dr. Leanne De Sousa Kenny, University of Toronto that aired June 16, 2023.
Click here to view the video.
Check out this TVO interview with Steve Paikin of TVO and Dr. Leanne De Sousa Kenny, University of Toronto that aired June 16, 2023.
Click here to view the video.
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What happens when kids can't cook?
Our very own Mary Carver, P.H.Ec., talks about the importance of food literacy, Home Economics and the OHEA petition on CBC's Ontario Today. Listen to the podcast here... |
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Food studies for all?
CBC Radio - All in a Day Listen as Mary Carver, P.H.Ec., discusses the OHEA petition and the need for increased food literacy. As a follow up listed to Local chefs discuss the appetite for cooking classes. |
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CBC News
Mandatory Food and Nutrition Class Would Help Ontario Health, Group Says Mary Carver, P.H.Ec., talks to CBC News about the importance of food literacy and the OHEA petition... |
