Kudos to the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA)! The association is spearheading a petition to mandate at least one food and nutrition course in high school.

According to Mary Carver, Professional Home Economist and member of OHEA, “all children need to have the basics of nutrition and some cooking skills so that they know how to make food from scratch and don’t reach out so often for fast food or prepared entrées that are readily available.”

I couldn’t agree more. As a dietitian and chef’s daughter, I know first hand the benefits of eating a wholesome, home cooked meal. Teaching kids to cook not only gives them confidence in the kitchen, but also a life skill that boosts their food literacy.

Food literacy, the latest buzzword, is defined as the knowledge and skills (planning, budgeting, shopping and cooking) that help people make healthy, tasty and affordable meals for themselves and their families. It’s about getting involved with food – at the grocery store choosing locally grown foods, in the kitchen trying a new recipe, or even going on a family outing to an apple orchard.

Please take a minute to sign the OHEA petition asking for at least one mandatory food and nutrition course in Ontario schools. The goal is to attain 2,000 signatures by October 31st. You’ll be glad you did.