Transforming our diet is a priority for the climate and our health. At Still Good, it is a collective fight that has been close to our hearts since the beginning. If we want to initiate a sustainable transition in our diet, we must educate and put eating better at the heart of the concerns of future generations. We present to you 4 advantages of sustainable food in schools.
What is sustainable food?
“Sustainable food is the set of food practices that aim to feed human beings in sufficient quality and quantity, today and tomorrow, while respecting the environment, being economically accessible and profitable throughout the food chain.” In summary, sustainable food is ecological, healthy and accessible. Although local, healthy and eco-responsible ingredients are taking up more and more space on our plates, there is still a lot of work to be done before they become the norm in our schools.
The benefits of sustainable food in schools
1. Health
It favors and provides access to a wide variety of fresh, local and balanced foods, which promotes the health of students and professionals in the field.
2. Education
It helps to raise awareness among students, in addition to their families and loved ones, of the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. It also helps to acquire good eating habits.
3. Local Economy
It encourages local partnerships with farmers, processors and artisans, which helps achieve greater food autonomy.
4. Environment
It encourages the adoption of sustainable behaviors and raises students’ awareness of the many ecological issues, such as pesticides, food waste, packaging, etc.
It’s time to get on board to advance the transition of schools to sustainable food. And we’re not going to hide the fact that we’re working very hard, in collaboration with the Breakfast Club and several school boards, to improve the food offering and facilitate access to healthy and responsible snacks.
Sources
ÉQUITERRE. Guide de mise en oeuvre pour un approvisionnement local dans les écoles du Québec, [PDF], 2022.
COMMUN’ASSIETTE. Scolaire – Portrait du secteur, [En ligne], 2022. [https://communassiette.org/]
ADEME. Alimentation durable : définition et enjeux, [En ligne], 2021. [https://optigede.ademe.fr/alimentation-durable]
LOBBY DES CONSCIENCES. L’alimentation durable, un des enjeux majeurs de notre siècle, [En ligne], 2022. [https://lobbydesconsciences.org/lalimentation-durable-un-des-enjeux-majeurs-de-notre-siecle/]
