Healthy People, Healthy Planet Resource List

Farm to School Month in Canada 2019 

Food will be a defining issue of the 21st century…An unprecedented opportunity exists to develop food systems as a common thread… for improved human health and environmental sustainability.” – Summary Report of the EAT Lancet  Commission (2019) 

 

The Farm to School approach (F2S) aims to transform food systems by bringing more healthy, local and sustainable food to the minds and plates of students. F2S is aligned with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, the new Canada’s Food Guide recommendations and the vision for a Food Policy for Canada

In light of its benefits, the theme of Farm to School Month 2019 was Healthy People, Healthy Planet! 

The following list of resources, including short inspirational videos, comprehensive toolkits, and hands-on activities was compiled as part of the 2019 Farm to School Month celebration, in order to engage and empower students in learning and taking action.

Many of the resources outline activities that can be done in the classroom, at home, or in the community; and while some are developed with specific audiences or age groups in mind, many of them are informative for all ages! Whether you’re new to Farm to School, or looking for fresh ideas to take your initiatives to the next level, this list offers something for everyone.

ResourceAuthorsType of resourceAudience(Some) TopicsLinkLanguageDescription
FOOD, SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE CHANGE-sub topics: food waste, water
An Eater’s Guide to Climate ActionFood For All New BrunswickPDF ResourceGeneral Public- What is Climate Change?
- Climate Change & Our Food
- Land & Soil
- Oceans & Waterways
- Wild Foodways
- Energy Use & Transportation
- Food Loss & Waste
- On Your Plate
- Self & Community Provisioning
- Ideas for Action
- Further Readings & Resources
http://www.farmtocafeteriacanada.ca/2021/05/an-eaters-guide-to-climate-action/English FrenchCreated to deepen the conversation on climate change through a “food lens”. The goal is to provide a more nuanced understanding of how food systems impact climate change and how they can be used as levers for positive change.
Food Matters Action Kit CEC, Commission for Environmental Cooperation Online information hub, including printable toolkit, videos, and more.Youth 5 to 25 years oldSeed to table; just food, "ugly" food, circular food system, growing food and preservation; food wastehttp://www3.cec.org/flwy/English French SpanishFeature Resource of the 2019 Farm to School Month Zero Food Waste Challenge*.
The kit is loaded with informative resources and hands-on, creative activities to inspire children and youth (5-25 years old) to prevent food waste at home, at school and in the community. Activities in the kit are designed for youth across North America.
*Preschools, schools and campus groups that complete an activity from this guide and share it with us during Farm to School Month 2019 will be eligible to win one of three $1,500 seed grants. Learn more.
Food Security and Climate Change Challenge BadgeFAO, Food and Agriculture OrganizationPDF resourceYouth 5 to 20 years oldWeather vs climate; human impact on the environment; climate change effects and action requested; food and life-style choices; nutrition and health; ideas and projects to conduct in your communityhttp://www.fao.org/climatechange/18820-04f5d6f7e9296cb1b2ced188e8824cb52.pdfEnglishThe Food Security and Climate Change Challenge Badge is designed to help educate children and young people about climate change and food security while encouraging them to take action against global warming, environmental degradation and hunger in the world. By carrying out these activities your group will identify and take actions to reduce their environmental footprint and learn how to make better consumer and life-style choices.
Why choose local food?EquiterreOnline fact sheetGeneral publicThe relevance of local foodhttp://equiterre.org/sites/fichiers/divers/why_choose_local_food.pdfEnglishThis fact sheet describes the main reasons why we should eat local products.
Why choose organic food?ÉquiterreOnline fact sheetGeneral publicThe relevance of organic foodhttps://equiterre.org/sites/fichiers/divers/why_choose_organic_food.pdfEnglishThis fact sheet describes the main reasons why we should eat organic products and offers practical ways to eat more organic food.
Why choose fair trade products?ÉquiterreOnline fact sheetGeneral publicThe relevance of fair tradehttp://www.equiterre.org/sites/fichiers/pk-consommer-equitable.pdf(French Only)FrenchThis fact sheet describes the main reasons why we should eat fair trade products.
Reducing our food's environmental footprintÉquiterreOnline fact sheetGeneral publicThe relevance of consuming local and organic products; the environmental impact of our platehttps://equiterre.org/geste/quand-plaisir-gastronomique-rime-avec-reduction-de-notre-empreinte-ecologique?utm_source=All&utm_campaign=Bullin_1septembre_M&utm_medium=email(French Only)FrenchThis fact sheet presents various tips to increase the consumption of organic and local products to reduce our plate's environmental footprint.
Why and How to Measure Food Loss and WasteCEC, Commission for Environmental CooperationOnline guideFood business and household sector; decision-makers and organizations city, state and country wide food loss and waste measuring; measuring methods; reports; case studieshttp://www3.cec.org/flwm/English French SpanishThis guide walks readers through 7 steps for measuring food loss and waste (FLW) within businesses, cities, states, or countries. Use the checklist provided to track progress and easily access the most appropriate section.
Love Food, Hate WasteNational Zero Waste CouncilWebsite Householders, general publicfood waste prevention; meal planing; tips for food storage and use; recipes and morehttps://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/English French The website presents simple strategies and handy tips to prevent food waste in the home and make the most of the food we love.
Make #NotWasting Food a Personal ResolutionFAO, Food and Agriculture OrganizationWebpageHouseholders, general publicFood waste during holiday festivities; video about food waste and hungerhttp://www.fao.org/fao-stories/article/en/c/1072865/?utm_content=buffer23081&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=bufferEnglish French and 4 additional languagesSix tips on how to avoid and reduce holiday food waste
WastelessFood First NLWebpage links to downloadable toolsGeneral publicUnderstanding food waste, and actions to take a the individual and community levelhttp://www.foodfirstnl.ca/wastelessEnglishDevelopepd by Food First NL, a non-profit forganization in Newfoundland & Labrador whose mission is to actively promote comprehensive, community-based solutions to ensure access to adequate and healthy food for all, this webpage provides facts about food waste, and links to downlaodable tips, tricks and resources that can be used at the individual household level.
Preventing food wasteÉquiterreOnline fact sheetGeneral PublicFood wastehttp://www.equiterre.org/sites/fichiers/fiche_information_finale_gaspillage.pdf (French Only)FrenchThis fact sheet illustrates the extent of food waste and offers potential solutions that are accessible to everyone, even kids.
TIPS AND TRICKS
For a Successful Zero Waste Delivery
ÉquiterreInformation sheetSchool communities that participate in Farm to School fundraising campaignsHow to make your Farm to School fundraiser zero wastehttps://legacy.equiterre.org/sites/fichiers/divers/tips_and_tricks_for_a_successful_zero_waste_delivery.pdfAnglais et françaisThis fact sheet was produced as part of the Rooted Schools fundraising campaign in Quebec. In 2019, Équiterre has challenged participating schools and farmers to make deliveries at zero waste events. This includes no disposable packaging. This is a great resource for those looking to reduce food packaging waste during their Farm to School fundraiser, community farmer market visits, etc.
Food & Sustainability LessonAlberta Pulse GrowersOnline pdf teaching lessonStudents in grades 7 to 10 Human impact in the environment; food choices and sustainability, consumption patterns https://albertapulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Teacher-Resource-2-Food-and-Sustainability.pdfEnglishThe lesson links to curriculum expectations in a variety of subjects in some provinces across Canada: Alberta, Sasktchewan, Manitoba, Ontario. It may be adapted to other provinces.
Food and Climate ChangeDavid Suzuki FoundationWebpageGeneral publicLocal and organic food; food miles; meat production; basic steps to reduce individual impact in climate change through foodhttps://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/food-climate-change/EnglishWebpage with basic information about the impact of individual food choices in climate change, and what actions can be taken at an individual level.
UN Sustainable Development GoalsUnited NationsWebsite & links to resourcesGeneral public; decision-makers; researchers Climate, health & wellbeing, youth and more. Check out the ActNow Food callenge, with inspirational videos and recipes for healthy people, healthy planet. SD Goals: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
ActNow Food Challenge: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/actnow-food-challenge/
English, French and 4 additional languagesThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.
EAT Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, HealthEAT Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, HealthWebpage with summary report and links to blogs, podcasts and other resourcesGeneral public; decision-makers; researchers The linkage between human and planetary health and our food systemhttps://eatforum.org/eat-lancet-commission/EnglishEAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health brings together more than 30 world-leading scientists from across the globe to reach a scientific consensus that defines a healthy and sustainable diets. Their summary report presents an evidence-based action plan for food system transformation to suppott the health of people and planet.
Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Setting a Global Action AgendaWorld Resources InstitutePDF reportGeneral public; decision-makers; researchers The global challenges faced due to food loss and food waste; causes and why it matters; progress made so far; call for action and intervention at several scales. https://www.wri.org/publication/reducing-food-loss-and-waste-setting-global-action-agendaEnglishThe report Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Setting a Global Action Agenda identifies a three-pronged approach to halve food loss and waste by 2030. The report calls on governments, companies, farmers, consumers, and everyone in between to take action.
Climate Change and LandIPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeOnline reportDecision-makers; researchers; educators; general public climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystemshttps://www.ipcc.ch/report/srccl/English, French and 3 additional languagesAn IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems.
HEALTHY NUTRITION & #ZEROHUNGER CAMPAIGN
Get Involved! World Food Day 2019Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Pdf toolkitEducators and YouthWho can participate; how to participate; list of resources to conduct activities, communication materials, activities to achieve healthy diets and #ZeroHunger http://www.fao.org/3/ca5466en/ca5466en.pdfEnglishWorld Food Day (WFD) is celebrated each year on 16 October to promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all. The 2019 World Food Day Theme is "Healthy Diets for a #zerohunger world"
Canada's Food GuideGovernment of CanadaWebsite General publicFood choices, healthy habits, recipes, tips and resourceshttps://food-guide.canada.ca/en/English, French and 29 additional languagesWebsite with the newest Canada's Food Guide. It contains food guide snapshot, healthy eating recommendations, recipes, tips and resources.
Flexitarian diet: delicious!ÉquiterreOnline fact sheetGeneral publicFacts and practical tips for reducing meat consumptionhttps://equiterre.org/geste/flexitarisme-miam(French Only)FrenchThis fact sheet describes the benefits of choosing a flexitarian diet for our planet, our health and our wallet.
Reframing Healthy Food in Health CareJ.W McConnell Family Foundation - Nourish Health CareWebinar recordingHealth and food professionals, health centers staffhealthy foodhttp://www.farmtocafeteriacanada.ca/2018/09/reframing-healthy-food-in-health-care-webinar/EnglishAt the webinar it is brought together diverse perspectives from three thought-leaders to explore how hospitals and health care facilities can lead the charge in expanding the definition of healthy food, to better serve people, patients, and the planet.
Quebec fruit and vegetable recipe cardsÉquiterreRecipe cardsGeneral publicCooking and local fruits and vegetableshttp://equiterre.org/en/project/schools-take-root/quebec-fruit-and-vegetable-recipe-cardsEnglishOn the back of these recipe cards, you will find useful tips and tricks about fruits and vegetables grown in Quebec. The recipes on the front will show you how to cook these products (including baked and no-baked recipes).
ECOSYSTEMS & GARDEN ACTIVITIES -sub topics: composting
Patterns Through the Seasons: A Year of School Garden ActivitiesEvergreenPDF guideStudents K - 7Why a school food garden; fall harvest; soil stewardship; seedsavings, climate change; composting and conservation, native pollinators, planning and growing a garden, othershttps://www.evergreen.ca/downloads/pdfs/Patterns-Seasons.pdfEnglishThe purpose of this module is to help teachers make the best possible use of school food gardens, helping to make this important resource into a learning garden for the benefit of students, staff and the school community.
Re-Rooted in Play Activity GuideEcosourcePDF guideYouth and familiesseed planting, soil and compost, gardens and seasons, tree roots, food kilometres, pollinators, othershttps://ecosource.ca/wp-content/uploads/ReRooted-In-Play.pdfEnglishThere are 10 activities outlined in this guide that present many fun ways for young people and their families to develop their physical literacy through play in a garden setting.
Composting for KidsHighfields EnvironmentalShort VideoKindergarten/Primary studentsWhat is compost, why is it important, how to composthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRXNo7Ieky8&ab_channel=HighfieldsCompostingEnglishThis short video (6 min) is a great primer for students about what and how to compost at school.
A Guide to Growing School Gardens in AlbertaGovernment of AlbertaPDF guideStudents in grades 3-8Linking natural resources and healthy eating, starting and maintaining a school garden.https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/aet15480/$FILE/get_growing_manual_revised_2015_post.pdfEnglishGuidebook for educators that features activities, vegetable grow-cards, lesson plans & recipes
Educational gardenÉquiterreOnline fact sheetGeneral publicBenefits of school gardens, tips for starting a school gardenhttp://equiterre.org/sites/fichiers/divers/fiche_information_finale_jardins_educatifs.pdf(French Only)FrenchThis sheet gives tips for successfully implementing a school garden.
CompostingÉquiterreOnline fact sheetGeneral publicBenefits of composting and tips for getting startedhttp://www.equiterre.org/sites/fichiers/fiche_information_finale_compostage.pdf(French Only)FrenchThis sheet gives tips for successfully implementing a composting program in your community.
The Food Less TraveledFresh Data NetworkShort video seriesGeneral publicNorth American local food initiatives in a road triphttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn4-Lrp2DtoUjrJRQvlo5vAEnglishDocumentary series on North American local food initiatives. During the trip, the filmmakers meet dozens of farmers, small-business owners, community organizers, and food advocates who share an inspiring and diverse vision for the future of North American food.
FARM TO SCHOOL & SIMILAR PROGRAMS -sub topics: food literacy; learning circles model; cooking; intergenerational learning
Benefits of Farm to School: Evidence from CanadaFarm to Cafeteria CanadaOnline fact sheetGeneral publicFarm to School program; healthy local food in school; hands-on learning; school and community connectedness; environmental outcomes; economic benefitshttp://www.farmtocafeteriacanada.ca/2018/10/benefits-of-farm-to-school/English French This resource shares the impacts of Farm to School activities, which include public health, education and learning, the environment, community connectedness and the economic benefits. It is complemented by the United States’ National Farm to School Network’s fact sheet, which provides an extensive list of benefits and sources backed by research from the US.
Farm to School Learning CirclesFarm to Cafeteria CanadaOnline guideFarm to School supporters; school and campus staff; parent advisory committe (PAC) members, practitionersIntroduction to Learning Circles; case studies; learning circles as a processhttp://www.farmtocafeteriacanada.ca/2019/05/farm-to-school-learning-circles/English French This guide provides an introduction to the use of Learning Circles as a means of furthering Farm to School (F2S) efforts across Canada. It is primarily intended for use by local and regional F2S Coordinators to support their work to increase the availability of healthy, local, and sustainable food to children and youth. However, anyone interested in taking F2S action may also benefit from reading about and implementing a F2S Learning Circle.
Elders in Schools HandbookGovernment of Northwest TerritoriesPDF guideSchool and District LeadershipIntergenerational learning; identifying, engaging, and working with community elders in schools.https://www.assembly.gov.nt.ca/sites/default/files/13-06-3td_84-174.pdfEnglishThe Elders in Schools Handbook lays out specific protocols, steps and considerations to be followed when working with Elders in schools and also shares some promising practices. It was developed to support the Northwest Territory Elders in Schools Program pilot (2013/2014) to ensure that Elder involvement in education is increased and strengthened, with the objective being for students to learn about northern heritage and place through authentic experiences led by Elders.
Growing Local Food Literacy in Ontario Schools; Cooking up Local Food Literacy in Ontario Schools; Eating for Local Food Literacy Sustain OntarioWebinar series and ppt slidesSchool communities hands-on learning, gardening skills, curriculum connections; cooking skills, cooking class implementationhttps://sustainontario.com/2017/03/28/growing-local-food-literacy-sign-up-for-our-free-webinar/EnglishThe webinar series focus on: 1) how to teach local food literacy while engaging students in developing gardening skills in various educational settings; 2) how to teach local food literacy while engaging students in preparing food in various school settings; 3) how to use school meals (including cafeteria lunches, hot meal days, salad bars, hospitality classes, and your school’s Student Nutrition Program / breakfast program) to enable local food literacy education.
Edible Education at Lord Roberts: Lessons from a Food Literacy Learning ProcessFarm to Cafeteria Canada, Lord Roberts School, Sustain OntarioWebinarSchool communities Food literacy, Farm to School lunch program, Edible Education programhttp://www.farmtocafeteriacanada.ca/2019/03/webinar-lessons-from-a-food-literacy-learning-process/English Edible Education teacher Brent Mansfield shares stories and lessons learned from efforts at Lord Roberts Elementary School in Vancouver to bring together hands-on food literacy learning, and increase students’ access to healthy, local food.
A recipe for Successful Cooking WorskhopsÉquiterrePractical guideSchools and preschoolsCulinary skills and workshophttp://equiterre.org/en/project/schools-take-root/a-recipe-for-successful-cooking-workshopsEnglish
French
The guide is aimed at facilitating and maximizing the benefits of cooking workshops. It offers participants support for the organization, planning and conducting of these activities, as well as for post-activity reviews.
A Recipe for Successful Cooking WorkshopsÉquiterreWebinar recordingSchool day care services, but can also be used by other stakeholders in the primary school community (ex., by teachers in their classroom) or in other settings (ex.: community groups, educational childcare services, etc.).The webinar presents support for the organization, planning and conducting of cooking activities, as well as for post-activity reviews.http://www.farmtocafeteriacanada.ca/2018/11/a-recipe-for-successful-cooking-workshops/English
French
This webinar was developed to acompany the above practical resoure guide, as part of the Quebec, Schools Take Root initative.
Forest Meets FarmRoots to HarvestCookbookHigh-school studentsFoodskills using wild and cultivated foods. Highlights foraging, hunting & fishing, farming and preservinghttps://www.r2hshop.ca/product/forest-meets-farm-cookbook/12?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=trueeets-farm.htmlEnglishA collection of our favourite recipes that highlight foraging, hunting, fishing, and farming in Northern Ontario.
Field to Table SchoolsFoodShareWebsite with links to activities and resourcesStudents, K-12Diverisity of resources including classroom acivities and resources on a variety of Farm to School Topics. http://foodshare.net/program/educator/EnglishFoodShare Toronto is a community-led organization with a mission to increase access to, knowledge of and consumption of vegetables and fruit through community led projects. With a variety of programs and supports offered to schools in Toronto, they have also developed several resources available online, accessible to educators everywhere.
Foodspan, Teaching the Food System from Farm to ForkJohns Hopkins Centre for a Livable FutureWebpage with resource linksHigh-school studentsIntroduction to sustainable food systems. Topics niclude human health, environment, equity, animal welfare. http://www.foodspanlearning.org/about/EnglishThis initative is targeted at high-school steachers. It features infographics and downloadable food system lesson plans.
*This list has be developed as part of the 2019 Farm to School Month Celebration in Canada and is not intended to be comprehensive. Farm to Cafeteria Canada does not neccesarily share the views expressed in these resources. Responsibility for the contents rests entirely with the authors.