Food sustainability and education in the European Union: state-of-the-art review of European Union’s public policies and degree of incorporation of food sustainability to education

Abstract

Current food systems consume a large quantity of natural resources and are responsible for environmental impacts and biodiversity loss (Mbow et al. 2019 cited SAPEA, 2020). Given the urgency to fight the climate crisis, shifting towards sustainable food systems is needed. Food sustainability aims to ensure sustainable agricultural production, food security, ensure sustainable practices throughout the production chain, promote a healthy and sustainable diet, and reduce food losses and waste (Economist Impact, 2021). The best method to achieve sustainable food systems is to make all citizens more food literate and sustainability aware. Childhood is a crucial period to develop and foster a mindset that will make children’s habits persist during their lives. Schools must integrate a comprehensive food education policy (Smith et al., 2022) that merges with sustainability dimensions. However, many western countries have not yet taken advantage of their full potential to provide consistent food-related school programs (Pérez-Rodrigo & Aranceta, 2003; as cited Sadegholvad et al., 2017). How Food Sustainability Education is understood is not universal (Smith et al., 2022), and neither there is a consistency of such term addressed within the European Union Member States. Under the European Green Deal, Europe has targeted the transition to sustainable food systems under the “Farm to Fork” strategy. European Union’s internal and external policies are trying to be aligned with the SDGs and the European Green Deal’s priorities, aiming to deliver quality and sustainability-oriented education among the Member States. Nonetheless, it is not in the Union’s prerogatives to legislate on education to promote the integration of food sustainability. Findings of this research show that the EU’s recommendations and proposals on learning for sustainability development primarily focus on environmental and climate change-related issues and lack interconnections between food education and sustainability. Results of this research propose a single food curriculum focused on Food Sustainability Education in the EU. A reference framework for the Member States would help direct education policies and incorporate food sustainability education in the respective national curriculums. Nevertheless, further investigation and research are required to support and materialize this transformation.