Last week for part 1, we explored the impact that food security, as an ingredient for a healthier tomorrow, could have on our communities. This week for part 2, let’s explore the second key ingredient for a healthier tomorrow: food literacy.
Food literacy is an area that the Dietitians of Canada focus on to help individual Canadians and communities live a healthier tomorrow. Food literacy is the ability of an individual to understand the impact and importance of food on their health and wellbeing and includes such things as food knowledge, having a positive attitude/relationship with food and food skills.
Food knowledge is more or less knowing what foods we require for health and wellbeing. Food skills is having the ability to do such things as reading a food label, meal prep, and having the confidence to cook in the kitchen. Food literacy also includes being aware of our attitude and relationship with food.
Food and eating can be stressful for some people. Having a positive attitude and/or relationship with food helps with this. Recognizing our insecurities in this area can help us choose to be more confident with our choices and not feel bad about them. Knowing that we can include all foods into our diet in moderation and making healthy choices for our own circumstances are other ways to develop more positive views on eating food in general.
To increase your food literacy, your local Health Promotion team offers two courses in nutritional wellness. For more information on what is available to you, check out our website on CAF Connection.
For more information on food literacy and March is Nutrition Month, check out all of the available information at Dieticians of Canada, March is Nutrition Month.
ENTER NOW to win!
Locally for March is Nutrition Month, your local Health Promotion Team is looking at answering your questions regarding Nutrition. Should you have a question that you want us to answer, submit it by filling out this Microsoft Form. By submitting your question, you will also be entered into a draw for a great prize. We will be answering all the questions submitted virtually on 25 March.
March is Nutrition Month is an annual campaign lead by the Dietitians of Canada. This year’s theme for the campaign is “Ingredients for a Healthier Tomorrow”. The five key “ingredients” that will be featured this month that promote a sustainable food system are food security, food literacy, food sovereignty, sustainable food choices, nutrition care and prevention.
By: Nathaniel Smith, Health Promotion Specialist at CFB Borden.
