Relationship to Food ~ Research Findings

Over the past century, food production has become so removed from our lives that many children now have little idea about where their food comes from, beyond the store shelf. Our connection to food is a vital one; it sustains and nourishes our bodies, minds, and souls. It is no surprise that our students' disconnection to food has led, in part, to the dramatic health crisis our youth are now facing. My research revealed that our partnership with Hidden Villa helped my students establish a healthier relationship to food. All of my students found joy in learning where their food comes from and feeling connected to what they eat by being involved in the processes of planting, harvesting, and cooking. These experiences, along with our integrated curriculum, inspired many students to reconsider their eating habits. Many students also expressed a feeling of social closeness around the rituals of preparing and eating meals together.

Benefits:

• Students feel better when they have a closer connection to their food: better about what they are eating, better in their bodies and better about themselves.
• Improved nutrition is likely to improve students' performance at school. If you have ever taken a peek at what your students are bringing to school for snacks, it's quite likely that you have been appalled at your findings from time to time - or, in the case of my class, generally horrified. Learning makes the brain work hard, which requires a surprising amount of sustained energy and nutrients. Students who are not receiving the nutritionally balanced meals their bodies need often find it difficult to focus in class. Some additives to processed foods, such as red dye #40, have even been linked to allergies that cause ADHD-type behaviors. Because of their age, most children do not have control over what foods are served; however, they can have a surprising degree of influence.

Evidence:

• Find out what kids have to say in their own words. Click on the image below see a short video of student quotes related to this topic. Or, go to the evidence page where you can read a selection of quotes from interviews, surveys and student writing. You can also find links to pages on the HV Classroom Kids website, which my students developed, designed and wrote together as a reflection on their relationship with Hidden Villa.