Building a Healthier Future: Why Food Literacy in Schools Matters

Food is more than just fuel—it shapes our health, our environment, and our economy. Yet, many children grow up without understanding where food comes from, how to prepare it, or how their choices impact the world around them.

An Act to Promote Food Literacy aims to change that by expanding food literacy education in K-12 schools across Massachusetts. This initiative would equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to make informed food choices, leading to healthier communities and a more sustainable future.

What is Food Literacy?

Food literacy goes beyond nutrition education. It helps students develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of the food system, including:

Making Healthy Choices – Learning how to select nutritious foods and understand their impact on long-term health.
Cooking & Food Preparation – Gaining hands-on experience with meal planning, cooking, and kitchen skills.
Environmental Awareness – Understanding how food production affects climate change, biodiversity, and natural resources.
Career Exploration – Seeing themselves as part of the food system, whether as farmers, chefs, food scientists, or sustainability advocates.

Why Does Food Literacy Matter?

1. Improves Health & Reduces Diet-Related Diseases

1 in 4 children in Massachusetts are either overweight or obese according to Mass.gov. Teaching kids about healthy eating, cooking, and meal planning can lead to lifelong habits that reduce these risks.

2. Prepares Students with Essential Life Skills

Many young adults leave high school without knowing how to cook, read a nutrition label, or shop for fresh ingredients. Food literacy ensures students can feed themselves and their families in a nutritious, budget-friendly way.

3. Supports a Sustainable Food System

Food choices have a huge impact on the environment, from food waste to carbon emissions. Teaching students about sustainable agriculture, composting, and food systems fosters eco-conscious decision-making.

4. Inspires the Next Generation of Food System Workers

The food system provides thousands of jobs in Massachusetts—from farming and fishing to food science and nutrition. Exposing students to these opportunities creates pathways to meaningful careers.

How Would This Bill Work?

If passed, An Act to Promote Food Literacy would:

Require the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide high-quality food literacy lessons.
Offer professional development for educators to integrate food literacy into their classrooms.
Establish a Food Literacy Trust Fund to support schools in implementing food education programs.

This initiative is an investment in a healthier, more informed future—and a stronger, more sustainable food system for Massachusetts.

How Can You Help?

This bill needs public support to become law. Here’s how you can take action:

Spread the word – Talk about the importance of food literacy with your community.
Support local food education programs – Volunteer at school gardens, cooking classes, or farm-to-school initiatives.
Advocate for funding – Contact your legislators and urge them to support An Act to Promote Food Literacy.

By ensuring food literacy is a core part of education, we can empower students to make healthier choices, reduce environmental harm, and explore fulfilling careers in the food system.