Food systems challenges are on the rise globally -- and so is the need for well-equipped food educators. Teaching food literacy from a young age is critical in transforming the food system toward healthier and more sustainable diets. Many teachers are not prepared, and thus lack the confidence, to discuss systemic challenges and complicated…

Nowadays, unhealthy dietary habits, insufficient food knowledge, and lack of manual skills are typical issues among primary and secondary school students in China. To help students build up a strong constitution and life wisdom, Weifang Hansheng School of Shandong developed a food education course. This paper expounds on the course framework,…

The ability to comprehend trophic (nutritional) relationships and food web dynamics is an essential part of environmental literacy. However, students face severe difficulties in grasping the variety of causal patterns in food webs. We propose a curriculum for comprehending trophic relations in elementary school. The curriculum allows students to…

A salt reduction program was instituted which involved placing pamphlets and posters at doctors' offices, clinics, public meeting places, and supermarkets. The program was promoted on radio and in newspapers. The results of a follow-up survey are presented, and the program is judged a success. (MT)

An instructional activity in which students discuss the nutritive and health aspects of selected food items is described. After student discussion, groups plan menus consisting of food items found to be healthy for the heart. (CJ)

To foster developmentally appropriate activities at mealtimes, child caregivers should let children serve themselves and eat until they are full; resist forcing children to eat; supply child-size utensils; offer foods that need to be spread, cut, broken, or spooned from a bowl; let children prepare some foods; and be aware of cultural values. (MDM)

Here is a book that invites teachers to the table--even those of us who don't see ourselves as cooks--to create tasty, wholesome projects with children. Young children certainly love to cook, and cooking experiences give them a chance to see a task through to completion and take pride in a product. As they prepare food, children learn social…

A computerized nutrient analysis program, DINE (diet inventory of nutritional experiences), is described. It provides feedback on calorie and nutrient intake to enhance individual responsibility for nutrition. It is used in nutrition education and athletic training programs, and by patients with weight and other diet-related health problems. (PP)

Concepts, such as nutrition density, that teachers need to understand to teach children good nutrition are explained. Teachers can use food diaries, protein picture charts, and class discussions about health problems related to excessive sugar and fats to instill healthy eating habits in their students. (PP)

Nutrition Education Today is a state-funded curriculum project that addresses the behavioral aspects of nutrition as well as the nutritional knowledge of secondary school students in California. The curriculum design for the Nutrition Education Today project is a result of the efforts of a statewide task force of specialists in the area of…

Nutrition education is the theme of this issue of "Children in the Tropics," which emphasizes an analysis of the situation of nutrition education programs, particularly in third world countries. It is noted that in most cases, it is necessary to integrate aspects of nutrition education into broader programs that encompass agricultural…