219. Teach Food First

219. Teach Food First- The Power of Language to Shape Children's Mental Health Through Food and Nutrition (am)

Facilitator: Heather Anderson is a Public Health Dietitian with Fraser Health. Heather's work focuses on health equity and policies and programs to support school nutrition and a positive relationship with food.

Did you know that how we teach and talk to children about food and nutrition can have a significant and lasting impact on their mental health and eating behaviours? This presentation will look at some past approaches for teaching and talking about food and nutrition and why we are shifting to a strength based, trauma informed, equity centered and culturally inclusive approach. We will explore the "Teach Food First” toolkit (developed by the Ministry of Health and BCCDC), which is designed to equip K-8 educators with tools and resources to support a food exploration approach to learning about food, nutrition and Canada's Food Guide. You will walk away from this presentation with best practice approaches that help children learn about food and have positive relationships with both food and their bodies.

Target Audience: Teachers, EA's & Support Staff

Host or Publisher MTU