Equitable Food Systems in the Classroom

K-12 STEAM education

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

In LA County, systemic inequities within the food system contribute to high levels of food insecurity and diet-related diseases in low-income populations due to limited knowledge of and access to affordable, healthy food. In response and to increase knowledge of regionally grown produce and its benefits, Food Access LA developed two educational video series, LA Urban Farm and CA Farm Tour, to supplement middle and high-school curriculums and youth programming. Providing knowledge of sustainable food systems in a classroom setting addresses inequities and promotes healthy dietary behaviors. Research suggests sustainable behavior changes occur after 40 hours of nutrition education (CDC_Healthy Schools). Despite this, students in the US receive only 8 hours of nutrition education each year, and the number of schools providing nutrition education has decreased 11.5% since 2000.

Food Access LA developed two educational video series, LA Urban Farm and CA Farm Tour, to supplement middle and high-school curriculums and youth programming. Studies show that educational videos deliver inclusive education by providing diverse perspectives, meeting various learning needs, and increasing student engagement, collaboration, and discussion by using tangible, relatable experiences. This project connects youth to the food they eat, increasing knowledge, awareness, preparation, and consumption of regionally grown produce. Each 4-part series aims to enhance understanding of the food system and the impacts of farmers' markets and direct consumerism on local communities, sustainable agriculture methods, and community advocacy by incorporating nutrition education, culinary skill-building, and exploring career pathways within the food system. Funding from the LA2050 grant will support facilitation of the videos to reach 4,500 Title 1 students. Videos introduce students to the benefits of regional produce and farmers’ markets on individual and community health and local economies. Suggested interdisciplinary STEAM activities supplement video learning objectives and incorporate hands-on, relatable experiences into lessons. All 10-20 minute videos conclude with a recipe demonstration featuring California grown produce. Participating classes are provided with a sample of a featured fruit or vegetable or a recipe ingredient box to prepare recipes featured in videos.

Teachers are integral in promoting healthy behaviors and awareness of effects of food systems on individual and community health, and its impact on social and environmental systems. These videos integrate nutrition and food systems education and STEAM activities into established curriculums. The multi-faceted, collaborative approach supports healthy behaviors in youth 12-18 years old and promotes equitable access to healthy food. Educators will have free access to the video series and STEAM activities that highlight regional produce and build students’ connections to local food systems. The videos impart lasting knowledge of skills for preparing fresh produce, support sustainable behavior changes, and promote healthy dietary choices. The series encourages community advocacy by increasing interest in local, healthy foods. Videos can be distributed widely and affordably. Expansion of the program is feasible through the ‘train-the-trainer’ model for accompanying lesson activities.

The POS program aims to increase knowledge, consumption, and preparation of regionally grown produce among 4,500 students with the LA Urban Farm and CA Farm Tour educational video series. To encourage healthy eating behaviors, farmers’ market produce samples will be provided to middle and high school students attending Title 1 schools in LA County; recipe ingredients will be provided to at least 40 nutrition/culinary classes. Participating schools and students will be tracked to gauge reach. Analysis of pre/post video surveys measuring change in eating behaviors and knowledge attainment of regionally grown produce and their health benefits will be completed before and after each video. Paper or digital surveys will be distributed to teachers and collected by POS staff through an assigned site coordinator. Teacher feedback will guide further development of suggested STEAM activities, with the long-term goal of offering these materials at a low cost to regional schools and programs.