Food education boosted by new online resources for teachers

For award-winning journalist, food writer and author Louise FitzRoy, food education has long been overlooked in the school curriculum. To challenge this idea and highlight how interesting and rewarding food education can be, her company has released an online resources library for teachers.

The 300-plus online resources promise to both save teachers preparation time and curb school expenses by doing away with unengaging textbooks. Including a swag of “virtual excursions” (narrated by farmers across Australia), the From Paddock to Plate (FP2P) Schools Program encourages students to develop a deep understanding of where their food comes from and explore issues such as nutrition, sustainability and even mental health.

“We aim to inspire teachers to incorporate these FP2P materials into every class so that all students in Australia can learn about what they are eating and the associated nutritional benefits to build happy healthy lives, and a sustainable and food-secure future,” Louise says.

The FP2P program covers nine learning areas in the Australian Curriculum (Years 5-10), including Food Technology, Home Economics, English, Maths and Science. The program also encourages students to think about a career in agriculture, a sector that has recently struggled to attract young people.

For the self-confessed “country” author, the importance of fun, critical and authentic food education in society cannot be understated.

“Growing up on a farm in NSW, I took for granted the knowledge I gathered about the origin of my food and the positive influence that this has had on my health. I want other young people to share this same opportunity; to feed the minds of thousands of students and consequently, change the lives of communities worldwide.”

For more information about the From Paddock to Plate Schools Program or to purchase it for your school, visit www.frompaddocktoplate.com.au/school-programs/.