FAQs

AHS Registered Dietitians engaged with Alberta teachers through online surveys and focus groups to gather needs and preferences for lesson plans to support the nutrition aspects of health and wellness curricula.  Lesson plans were developed to align with Alberta curriculum outcomes and best practice for food and nutrition literacy for Kindergarten through Grade 9. This project is being done in consultation with the Body Image Research Lab at the University of Calgary's Werklund School of Education.

The lesson plans cover nutrition and body image aspects of: 

• Kindergarten through Grade 6 Physical Education and Wellness curriculum 
• Grade 7-9 Health and Life Skills curriculum. 

Lesson plans for piloting are posted on the right side of the screen under Lesson Plans.

A survey asking for your feedback is available. Please fill out a separate survey for each grade you pilot.  

If you prefer to provide feedback via email or would like to meet with an AHS dietitian, please email: publichealth.nutrition@ahs.ca.

Lesson plan materials have been developed using an evidence informed approach where student learning activities focus on food exploration, food literacy, and age-appropriate skill and knowledge development on healthy eating patterns. This includes providing opportunities for students to learn about the many positive aspects of food, beyond nutrients. Nutrition education is presented in a way that helps students learn to enjoy nutritious foods and supports long term healthy eating patterns. Consideration has been given to:

Promoting a healthy relationship with food

The AHS Ways Educators Can Promote a Healthy Relationship with Food information sheet provides an overview of ways to promote a healthy relationship with food among students.  These include:

1. Emphasizing enjoyment and positive aspects of eating.
2. Using neutral language when talking about food.
3. Respecting roles around food and eating. 
4. Reflecting on actions around food and bodies. 

The AHS Healthy Relationship with Food web page includes additional resources and learning opportunities. 

Recognition that students may have varying access to food

Health Canada’s Toolkit for educators provides information on addressing students’ access to food and safe drinking water.   Suggestions can be found in the varying access to food section of the Toolkit. 

 Consideration of culture and food traditions

Health Canada’s Toolkit for educators also suggests ways to educate and expose children to different cultures and food traditions.

Recognition of potential biases towards food and eating practices 

Additional content from Health Canada’s Toolkit for educators supports the recognition and assessment of biases towards food and eating practices. This content acknowledges that we all have histories and experiences with food and eating practices and supports awareness of these biases as a way to create an inclusive learning environment.  

Once the pilot is complete and feedback has been incorporated, we will pursue French translation.

The food guide snapshot is available in many languages and can be ordered for free from this Health Canada page.