Creating a guidebook for developing sustainable food habits at daycare

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to introduce food sustainability to children and encourage them to make responsible choices when it comes to food in a kindergarten. The hope was that by educating children about food, food systems, food waste, and the food cycle, it would help them grow a sense of responsibility by choosing a sustainable way of consumption as a starting point for future conscientious consumers. Another goal of this thesis was to develop a guidebook to give teachers at the daycare a simple tool to use in preparing food sustainability lessons for children.

The theoretical framework includes an explanation of the relationship between the environment, sustainability, and food, as well as food waste and sustainable food consumption. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used to explain how habits can be changed toward a more sustainable way of life.

The implementation of this functional thesis comprised of activities based on 3 main topics: Introduction to the theme of Sustainability; a food journey; and food waste and ways to re-use it. In addition, a guidebook was created. The methods used to explain and reinforce sustainable food habits in children included participation, reading and play.

The overall feedback on the implementation of the activities were based on verbal input from children and teachers at the daycare. Overall, they were mostly constructive and supportive, reflecting the gains and values of applying activities on food sustainability in a daycare.