Engaging Secondary Schools in Food Activities – Curriculum Enrichment (FoodSEqual)

Background: Secondary schools in disadvantaged communities are vulnerable to poor food provision. Food literacy in children builds skills and confidence to support lifelong healthy (sustainable) eating habits (Carroll et al 2021). Research Objective: The aim of this study was to co-design a food-themed curriculum enrichment week for secondary school children to explore food literacy and school food culture (FoodSEqual, 2021) Methods: A series of taster sessions (cooking; filming; games; discussions) were run to introduce ideas. This informed co-design of food-themed curriculum enrichment week activities. Food literacy focus groups were run with students; interviews with school teachers (school food culture); observations of student interaction and engagement. Data were analysed using constant comparative analysis (Hewitt-Taylor, 2001) and all proceedings filmed, creating a visual digital output. Results: The final week of activities included: Mon-cooking; Tues-biodynamic farm visit; Wed-foodie games show; Thursfishing trip; Fri-mini food festival. The students (n=11) enjoyed planning/delivering this week of events. Throughout the week knowledge, attitudes, confidence on food system literacy increased. Themes of food availability; food culture and food affordability emerged from data. The film illustrated engagement with all processes. Discussion: The film will be shown to exemplify how codesigned food-themed activities can offer powerful learning opportunities for students. Food (nutrition) literacy, confidence and skills increased markedly over the week demonstrating that learning by doing (experiential learning) is key to turning information into knowledge and engaging student interest. Young people have essential voices in food system transformation and their engagement is key to champion this agenda within the school environment.

References: Carroll N, Perreault M, Ma DWL and Haines J (2021) Assessing food and nutrition literacy in children and adolescents: a systematic review of existing tools. Public Health https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980021004389 Nutrition DOI: Hewitt-Taylor J (2001) Use of constant comparative analysis in qualitative research. Nursing Standard. 15, 42, 39-42