Food and Climate Change Guide

As the holiday season approaches, there is a big focus on food. Whether in the classroom or at home, your students and community are getting ready to prepare their favorite celebratory meals. While we love to talk about the traditional dishes our families enjoy, communities don't always think about the journey our food takes before or after it ends up on our dinner plates. Start the discussion with your students today and explore how food and food waste connect to our changing climate. With any type of resource you're looking for, this guide can help you explore food systems at all stages. Find high-quality, scientist-reviewed lesson plans, activities, and resources from SubjectToClimate and some of our amazing partners: Educated Choices Program, Center for Ecoliteracy, and FoodCorps.

What Grade Do You Teach?

Teaching Tips

Respect Different Cultures

Encourage cultural exploration and appreciation when talking about food by diving into diverse traditions and sustainable food practices from around the world. Expand your students' understanding of different cultures and promote the importance of respecting various traditions and dietary choices.

Be Mindful of Food Insecurity 

We can't always be aware of what all our students are going through. When teaching about food, be mindful that some students may be experiencing food insecurity and will not always have access to the necessary food choices for a healthy diet. Focus on encouraging empathy and exploring ways to support food security programs and reduce food waste.

Integrate in Any Subject

Food and climate change can be incorporated into any subject you teach. In math or chemistry, your class can calculate their carbon footprint and explore carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gas emissions from food. In social studies or geography, your class can explore global food systems and the link between agricultural production and deforestation. This interdisciplinary approach helps students see the interconnectedness of our Earth and the world around them.

Connect with the Real World 

Use hands-on activities and real-world examples when exploring the world of food and climate action. Have your students play a part in what they're learning about by heading outside to explore the school garden or engaging in a debate on plant-based foods versus animal-based foods. Highlight how your community is fighting the impacts of climate change by sharing inspirational stories of policymakers or local farmers.

Encourage Sustainability 

Discuss the environmental impact of food production and food waste. Showcase sustainable farming practices that encourage biodiversity and highlight the benefits of going to your local farmers market to pick up locally grown, seasonal foods. Empower students to make informed decisions about the food they eat while emphasizing that small choices can have big climate impacts.

Next Steps

Thanks for exploring food and climate change with us! We hope our resources bring important discussions about food and food waste to your classroom and community. Visit SubjectToClimate.org to discover more exciting teaching materials that incorporate climate and food in fun ways.