The Dog Ate My Homework: An Examination of Food and Nutrition Literacy in Newfoundland and Labrador with Policy Recommendations

Abstract

To achieve individual and population health goals in Newfoundland and Labrador, people must have the capacity to take an active role in their personal nutritional health and wellbeing and to advocate for social, cultural, environmental, economic and political change that promotes nutritional health and wellbeing in their own, and others’, lives. This capacity is dependent on food and nutrition literacy. This article defines food and nutrition literacy and examines the need for education initiatives to better promote these literacies in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is argued that current initiatives do not address all attributes of these literacies and are therefore unable to effectively achieve health promotion outcomes. To correct for this gap in health promotion, it is recommended that cross-curricular food and nutrition education be introduced into primary and secondary school curricula, and that registered dietitians be keenly involved in the development of these curricula.