Food for Thought: An Analysis of Pro-Environmental Behaviours and Food Choices in Ontario Environmental Studies Programs

Abstract

In Canada, there exists a noteworthy educational initiative referred to as Environmental Studies Programs. These secondary school programs are interdisciplinary, helping to link subject matter and encouraging student responsibility. This paper will present student reports from five case studies where I investigated how ESP participation impacts secondary students' attitudes about the environment and their willingness to make pro-environmental and pro-social choices. "Food" emerged as a primary theme, along with several subthemes: Farm School; Food Production; Outcomes of Action; Locavore; and Reports of Limited Behaviour Change. The discussion integrates the study results with relevant literature, provides pedagogical recommendations for teachers, and offers ideas for future research.