Let's Bring Back Food Literacy to Our School Curriculum...

Do you remember family studies in school? I recall being taught food and nutrition along with basic cooking skills and even sewing in grade seven. But that's long gone, since 20 years ago... family studies was slashed from the school curriculum due to budget cuts...

Ontario does have a new high school Food and Nutrition curriculum in place, but since it's an optional class only a small percentage of students benefit. Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) has an ongoing on-line Care2 petition since mid-last year with now over 2400 signatures to urge our government to make one food and nutrition course compulsory to obtain a high school diploma. A letter has been sent and the Ontario Premier has given this topic a warm reception, but will need more support from like-minded groups and to consider including elementary schools in the equation. It's definitely a promising prospect, and the more strength in signatures, the more attention for a stronger call for action to food literacy!

So many people don't understand food labels, make a meal at home or know how to stick to a food budget. That's why it's necessary for students in Ontario to have to take a food and nutrition course as part of the Family Studies curriculum! I just signed the Care2 petition asking the government of Ontario to make such a course mandatory. Will you sign too? Here's a link to the petition:http://www.thepetitionsite.com/.../urge-the-governement.../

As an ambassador for Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, I can tell you each one of our 1200 ambassador strong and growing network around the world all believe that Food Literacy is an important and a necessary right for every child! This year we are making a stand to putting food education back on the school curriculum as the advocacy message for Food Revolution Day May 15th! Later in March, we will be launching our global petition with change.org where Jamie will be calling on the leaders and governments of all G20 countries to make food education a compulsory part of every school curriculum. 

"It's time to take action! We need every child to understand where food comes from, how to cook it, and how it affects their body. This is about setting kids up with the knowledge they need to make better food choices for life" - Jamie Oliver.

This year I will be approaching as many schools from elementary to high schools as possible to get teachers and students excited about doing an event for Food Revolution Day! Please join me back on my blog for updates and connect with me on my social media channels to see what I and our Food Revolution Toronto team is up to with our individual events and advocacy efforts around Toronto! I will also be bringing lots of great ideas and resources for you to host a food event with your family, friends, workplace or community. Check out our rolled out Food Revolution Day official site to see how you can get involved... Thank you for sticking around to listen and stay tuned for more!

Cheers, Susan
e: s5ng@yahoo.com
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