Why Students Should Learn About the Food They Eat
February 2025
For students in some districts, learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings for lunch. School nutrition teams across the country are helping students understand where their food comes from and how certain foods can keep them healthy. Find out why K-12 foodservice directors are educating their young diners about what they’re eating, and where to find resources to do the same at your school.
Promote Healthy Eating Habits
When they visit community gardens or tend their own, students get to interact directly with fresh ingredients. Some schools even offer classes centered on nutrition. These types of opportunities have multiple benefits: they may encourage students to form healthier eating habits, which helps reduce childhood obesity and kickstarts long-term health benefits. Also, understanding how different ingredients impact their health could even motivate students to try unfamiliar dishes.
Raise Social and Environmental Awareness
Students at schools that teach about food origins or offer hands-on gardening experience may gain a broader appreciation for their meals. They’re likely to be more aware of the effort involved in growing and preparing food, including the impact of food waste. This could lead to smarter selections in the lunch line and less food dumped in the trash.
Discover Food Education Resources
Make the learning process fun with activity sheets and games tailored to each age group. Our resource library is packed with educational materials to help students and staff learn about the food they eat and serve. Dive into infographics that highlight nutritional facts and benefits of ingredients, watch recipe demos to spark menu inspiration and get tips on boosting student engagement.
With thoughtful planning, schools are successfully involving students in healthy food choices through education. How will your school join the effort? Share your ideas on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
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