Kingston-developed private member's bill would be first in Canada to mandate food literacy education
The Kingston Whig-Standard | November 11, 2020
"A private member’s bill that would introduce food literacy education to every grade level in Ontario schools has passed its first and second readings in the Ontario legislature, and its authors are hopeful for its future. Bill 216, the Food Literacy for Students Act, would be the first of its kind in Canada to mandate food education in schools."
The Kingston Whig-Standard | November 11, 2020
"A private member’s bill that would introduce food literacy education to every grade level in Ontario schools has passed its first and second readings in the Ontario legislature, and its authors are hopeful for its future. Bill 216, the Food Literacy for Students Act, would be the first of its kind in Canada to mandate food education in schools."
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) recently released the final report of its Food Literacy Attitude and Awareness Research Project, with support from the Government of Ontario in partnership with the Greenbelt Fund.
OHEA is proud to have been a part of the advisory committee along with the Nutrition Resource Centre, AgScape & Farm and Food Care Ontario.
OHEA is proud to have been a part of the advisory committee along with the Nutrition Resource Centre, AgScape & Farm and Food Care Ontario.
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The goal of this research project was to gain a better understanding of the current state of food literacy among consumers in Ontario, in order to develop programs, resources and information that will effectively reach Ontario consumers.
Two focus group sessions were completed as part of the qualitative research and this information was then used to develop an online survey targeted towards parents, early millennials and teenagers. This included 1,003 survey participants from across Ontario. |
Some of the study highlights include:
• Less than 50% of teens surveyed regularly prepare their own lunches for school
• More than 70% of millennials surveyed, read nutrition information on food products before making a purchasing decision – nutritional labels were identified as significantly more important than the ingredient list for millennials
• All consumer respondents are more comfortable cooking or baking with pre- mixed packages than cooking or baking from scratch
• Less than 50% of parents surveyed know the safe cooking temperatures for a variety of meat/poultry items
• Only 28% of teenagers surveyed know how to plan and prepare a quick healthy meal using only the food that is already available in the household
• Over 50% of millennials surveyed use YouTube videos as a source for learning new information and cooking skills
• Nearly 25% of all respondents knew NONE of the food groups
• Millennials were most likely to name all four food groups
• Millennials seek health and nutrition information from a wider variety of sources in comparison to the other groups
• Registered dietitians that are currently targeting parents should revise their messaging and focus on targeting teens themselves – data shows the current way of reaching teenagers is neither effective nor impactful.
To read the full report, click HERE to download it directly, or find it online at ofa.on.ca
• Less than 50% of teens surveyed regularly prepare their own lunches for school
• More than 70% of millennials surveyed, read nutrition information on food products before making a purchasing decision – nutritional labels were identified as significantly more important than the ingredient list for millennials
• All consumer respondents are more comfortable cooking or baking with pre- mixed packages than cooking or baking from scratch
• Less than 50% of parents surveyed know the safe cooking temperatures for a variety of meat/poultry items
• Only 28% of teenagers surveyed know how to plan and prepare a quick healthy meal using only the food that is already available in the household
• Over 50% of millennials surveyed use YouTube videos as a source for learning new information and cooking skills
• Nearly 25% of all respondents knew NONE of the food groups
• Millennials were most likely to name all four food groups
• Millennials seek health and nutrition information from a wider variety of sources in comparison to the other groups
• Registered dietitians that are currently targeting parents should revise their messaging and focus on targeting teens themselves – data shows the current way of reaching teenagers is neither effective nor impactful.
To read the full report, click HERE to download it directly, or find it online at ofa.on.ca
The Locally Driven Collaborative Projects (LDCP) program brings public health units together to develop and run research projects on issues of shared interest related to the Ontario Public Health Standards. Working collaboratively on an LDCP helps public health units build partnerships with each other and with students, academics, and organizations that are doing related work. As public health unit staff develop and lead projects, they strengthen their skills in research and project management, and ensure that the results of these projects are directly relevant to the work of Ontario’s public health units.
In, 2016 they conducted a scoping review and Delphi to identify key attributes of food literacy. They published their scoping review and information about this work, including a pictogram of the Food Literacy Framework, which can be found at www.foodliteracy.ca
In, 2016 they conducted a scoping review and Delphi to identify key attributes of food literacy. They published their scoping review and information about this work, including a pictogram of the Food Literacy Framework, which can be found at www.foodliteracy.ca
Ontario Food and Nutrition Straegy (OFNS)
On January 24th, 2017 the Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategy (OFNS) was officially released!
The Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategy was developed in collaboration and consultation with over 200 individuals and groups, including OHEA, representing agriculture, food, health, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, and organizations from sectors spanning not-for-profit, public health, academia and government.
The OFNS highlights 25 priority action areas within 3 strategic directions; healthy food access, food literacy and skills, and healthy food systems. It is a blueprint for a coordinated approach to food policy development and identifies, clear, specific policy options that can support current initiatives and inform future health policy directions.
Read the full strategy here and the executive summary here.
On January 24th, 2017 the Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategy (OFNS) was officially released!
The Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategy was developed in collaboration and consultation with over 200 individuals and groups, including OHEA, representing agriculture, food, health, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, and organizations from sectors spanning not-for-profit, public health, academia and government.
The OFNS highlights 25 priority action areas within 3 strategic directions; healthy food access, food literacy and skills, and healthy food systems. It is a blueprint for a coordinated approach to food policy development and identifies, clear, specific policy options that can support current initiatives and inform future health policy directions.
Read the full strategy here and the executive summary here.
Sept 13, 2016, TheGlobeandmail.com
What's the recipe for raising healthy kids? Teach them to cook and bake it into the school curriculum
What's the recipe for raising healthy kids? Teach them to cook and bake it into the school curriculum
Aug 20, 2016 WinnipegFreePress.com
Never too soon to sew
Sew Fun Studios encourage kids to try the latest trendy gadgets -- needle and thread
Never too soon to sew
Sew Fun Studios encourage kids to try the latest trendy gadgets -- needle and thread
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Back to the basics: Children need to learn about food Jan 22, 2016 - CBC News speaks to OFA General Manager Neil Currie about their Six by Sixteen campaign. OHEA is proud to be mentioned as a partner! |
July 31, 2016, cbc.ca
Cooking classes a delicious step towards food security in Nunavut, health department says
Territorial government pilots cooking lessons in six communities
Cooking classes a delicious step towards food security in Nunavut, health department says
Territorial government pilots cooking lessons in six communities
July 13, 2016, TheGuardian.com
Failure to teach cooking at school 'contributing to £12bn a year food waste'
Former head of government advisory group warns that generations of young people in the UK lack basic cooking skills
Failure to teach cooking at school 'contributing to £12bn a year food waste'
Former head of government advisory group warns that generations of young people in the UK lack basic cooking skills
June 25, 2016, CBC.ca
ACTO's Blue Flame kitchen dishes out one-of-a-kind advice
Well-loved home service department gets thousands of calls a year from Albertans
ACTO's Blue Flame kitchen dishes out one-of-a-kind advice
Well-loved home service department gets thousands of calls a year from Albertans
June 15, 2016, TheStar.com
Canning jam and fruit let’s you preserve the best of the summer
Canning enjoys a resurgence as young cooks learn what their grandmothers already know.
Canning jam and fruit let’s you preserve the best of the summer
Canning enjoys a resurgence as young cooks learn what their grandmothers already know.
April 1, 2016, LeslieBeck.com
What to eat when you're under stress
If you soothe your stress with a burger and fries, mac and cheese or a tub of ice cream, it’s time to rethink your coping strategy
What to eat when you're under stress
If you soothe your stress with a burger and fries, mac and cheese or a tub of ice cream, it’s time to rethink your coping strategy
April 23, 2016, Global News
Here's what a top Canadian registered dietitan eats in a day
Registered dietitian Kate Comeau showed Global News what she eats in a typical day.
Here's what a top Canadian registered dietitan eats in a day
Registered dietitian Kate Comeau showed Global News what she eats in a typical day.
March 31, 2016, CanadianGrocer.com
Product of the year winners announced. Found out who won
Unilever, Walmart pick up the most wins in consumer voted competition
Product of the year winners announced. Found out who won
Unilever, Walmart pick up the most wins in consumer voted competition
March 11, 2016, CBC.ca
P.E.I. woman sets up school to teach home economics to adults
'How many of the skills that used to be so common in our lives are just simply getting lost?'
P.E.I. woman sets up school to teach home economics to adults
'How many of the skills that used to be so common in our lives are just simply getting lost?'
Feb 1, 2016, Yahoo Finance
Canada's food banks see decline in donations as costs of food rises
'While cauliflower has become the poster vegetable for rising food prices, people all over Canada are feeling the pinch as groceries become more expensive. Hardest hit are food banks and the people who use on them.'
Canada's food banks see decline in donations as costs of food rises
'While cauliflower has become the poster vegetable for rising food prices, people all over Canada are feeling the pinch as groceries become more expensive. Hardest hit are food banks and the people who use on them.'
January 22, 2015, NutraIngredients
Pre-diabetes: Public health time bomb … and industry opportunity by Nathan Gray
By 2035 it is estimated that 8% of the global population will be classed as ‘pre-diabetic' – putting them at significantly higher risk of developing full type 2 diabetes. Such starling statistics are ticking bomb for healthcare costs, but could also be a huge opportunity for the industry to help in prevention.
Pre-diabetes: Public health time bomb … and industry opportunity by Nathan Gray
By 2035 it is estimated that 8% of the global population will be classed as ‘pre-diabetic' – putting them at significantly higher risk of developing full type 2 diabetes. Such starling statistics are ticking bomb for healthcare costs, but could also be a huge opportunity for the industry to help in prevention.
August 27, 2014, CBC
Mandatory food and nutrition class would help Ontario health, group says
The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) is pushing for at least one mandatory food and nutrition course in the province, saying it would make healthier citizens.
The OHEA said approximately one-third of children in Ontario are overweight or obese and increasing "food literacy" would help more people understand nutrition labels, make meals at home, make the most of their grocery budget and reduce waste.
Mandatory food and nutrition class would help Ontario health, group says
The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) is pushing for at least one mandatory food and nutrition course in the province, saying it would make healthier citizens.
The OHEA said approximately one-third of children in Ontario are overweight or obese and increasing "food literacy" would help more people understand nutrition labels, make meals at home, make the most of their grocery budget and reduce waste.
November 1, 2012
'Parents recognize cooking is an important life skill for their children, but when it comes right down to it, many say they don't know where to start or fear it will be too time-consuming to teach kids during the hectic supper hour. Yet by making sure kids know their way around the kitchen, parents are helping them gain the confidence and skills for a lifetime of healthy eating habits, say registered dietitians at the Dairy Farmers of Canada. They've developed a new website ( http://www.familykitchen.ca/ ) with tips, videos and recipes to help parents get started'.
Click here to read the article.
'Parents recognize cooking is an important life skill for their children, but when it comes right down to it, many say they don't know where to start or fear it will be too time-consuming to teach kids during the hectic supper hour. Yet by making sure kids know their way around the kitchen, parents are helping them gain the confidence and skills for a lifetime of healthy eating habits, say registered dietitians at the Dairy Farmers of Canada. They've developed a new website ( http://www.familykitchen.ca/ ) with tips, videos and recipes to help parents get started'.
Click here to read the article.
September 28, 2012
Remember to Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill
The Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education is reminding all Canadians, we all have a role to play in ensuring our homes are food-safe. Research findings reveal despite the fact a majority of adults feel confident they understand and follow safe food handling procedures, a sizeable number do not consistently follow certain safe food handling practices…Read and video
Remember to Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill
The Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education is reminding all Canadians, we all have a role to play in ensuring our homes are food-safe. Research findings reveal despite the fact a majority of adults feel confident they understand and follow safe food handling procedures, a sizeable number do not consistently follow certain safe food handling practices…Read and video
August 16, 2012
We Don't Need Food in Schools
Jame McIntosh, UK based Home Economist blogs about the importance of teaching food skills.
We Don't Need Food in Schools
Jame McIntosh, UK based Home Economist blogs about the importance of teaching food skills.
July 19, 2012
IFHE Round Table Discussion: “Home Economics and UN Millennium Development Goals: A Global Perspective”
“Home Economics can truly help to reduce poverty and improve health of families all over the world!”
This was the main outcome of the Round Table Discussion of the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE). 93 participants joined the Round Table Discussions to the theme “Home Economics and United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): A Global Perspective” at the XXII. IFHE World Congress in Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday, 17th July 2012.
Click here to read the full Press Release.
IFHE Round Table Discussion: “Home Economics and UN Millennium Development Goals: A Global Perspective”
“Home Economics can truly help to reduce poverty and improve health of families all over the world!”
This was the main outcome of the Round Table Discussion of the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE). 93 participants joined the Round Table Discussions to the theme “Home Economics and United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): A Global Perspective” at the XXII. IFHE World Congress in Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday, 17th July 2012.
Click here to read the full Press Release.
May 28, 2012
The Ontario Ministry of Education has released an 8 minute video - Financial Literacy - part of the Ontario Family Studies curriculum.
The video is of Diane O'Shea, P.H.Ec., Family Studies Department Head, and her classroom at Medway High School
http://www.edugains.ca/resourcesFL/VideoClipsFL/index.html?movieID=126
Other new videos for Financial Literacy are also now posted! View the list at: http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/financialLiteracy/index.html
The Ontario Ministry of Education has released an 8 minute video - Financial Literacy - part of the Ontario Family Studies curriculum.
The video is of Diane O'Shea, P.H.Ec., Family Studies Department Head, and her classroom at Medway High School
http://www.edugains.ca/resourcesFL/VideoClipsFL/index.html?movieID=126
Other new videos for Financial Literacy are also now posted! View the list at: http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/financialLiteracy/index.html
May 27, 2012
James McIntosh: Home Economics takes you places - Food Adventures on the Silk Road 2. To be a home economist means different things in different parts of the world. Home EcConnect
About Home EcConnect and Jay Deagon
James McIntosh: Home Economics takes you places - Food Adventures on the Silk Road 2. To be a home economist means different things in different parts of the world. Home EcConnect
About Home EcConnect and Jay Deagon
December 12, 2011
Sheridan College Performing Arts presents: Kitchen Contagion Prevention, a mini musical directed by Mark Melymick inspiring young people and families to clean, seperate, cook and chill. This video was made through the support of The Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education, a partner of OHEA.
Sheridan College Performing Arts presents: Kitchen Contagion Prevention, a mini musical directed by Mark Melymick inspiring young people and families to clean, seperate, cook and chill. This video was made through the support of The Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education, a partner of OHEA.
October 22, 2011
The Students’ Human Ecology Association (SHEA) is a student club which aims to promote the personal and professional development of students in the Nutrition & Dietetics, Food Science & Technology, Human Ecology and Family Studies programs at Brescia University College and the University of Western Ontario. Check out their new website and blog!
The Students’ Human Ecology Association (SHEA) is a student club which aims to promote the personal and professional development of students in the Nutrition & Dietetics, Food Science & Technology, Human Ecology and Family Studies programs at Brescia University College and the University of Western Ontario. Check out their new website and blog!
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May 4, 2011
For information on how Canadians can become better-informed and more confident consumers, click on the Canadian Consumer Handbook below created and updated by the Consumer Measures Committee, a joint committee of federal, provincial and territorial governments. |
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Check out How To Be Food Safe Canada video here from the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education
Food Safety for Families brought to you by the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education and Maple Leaf Foods. OHEA is a partner with CPCFSE.
