Ontario Home Economics Association
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SUPPORT • TEACH • ENCOURAGE

FOOD LITERACY

Bill 216
Food Literacy for Students Act, 2020


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An Act to amend the Education Act in respect of food literacy
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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.
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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.
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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.
"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

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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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Back to the basics: Children need to learn about food
CBC News speaks to OFA General Manager Neil Currie about their Six by Sixteen campaign.

OHEA is proud to be mentioned as a supporter! ​

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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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March 24, 2015
CBC Radio - Ottawa Morning 
Interview with Joe Westheimer, PhD – Faculty of Education Professor at the University of Ottawa
The need for Home Economics - hear the argument for a return to home economics in schools.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

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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.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

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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...
Read the article here

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'Make Something Out of Nothing'
Food literacy among youth, young pregnant women and young parents who are at risk for poor health.  

A locally driven collaborative project funded by Public Health Ontario 2013.
Read the full report here...

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What is Food Literacy? 
Find out more here

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Learn more about Canada's updated Food Guide 

Canada's Food Guide

Need Resources?

CLICK HERE
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  • Home
  • About OHEA
    • What is a P.H.Ec.
    • How To Become a P.H.Ec.
    • Membership Benefits
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • News
    • Cookbooks >
      • The Vegetarian's Complete Quinoa Cookbook
      • P.H.Ec. Authors
      • Homegrown
    • Media >
      • OHEA Highlights
      • Care for the Caregiver
      • Links/Resources
      • Videos
  • Branch Associations
    • THEA
    • Branch News
    • Affiliated Associations
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  • OHEA COURSE
  • Join Us
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