Shaping the eating habits of the next generation

The Agency has today published a framework of core skills and knowledge for children and young people, which sets out the essential building blocks in relation to healthy eating, cooking and
food safety, the food competences framework, as it is known, is intended to help schools and community-based organisations provide children and young people with the foundation to make healthy
food choices now and into adulthood.

Within the themes of diet and health, consumer awareness, cooking (food preparation and handling), and food safety, the framework applies to young people aged between 5 and 16 . It also
encompasses wider food issues reflecting the views of both the FSA and those who responded to the consultation that was carried out during the development of the framework.

The food competences support wider Government work aimed at improving the health of young people and will contribute towards helping schools develop a ‘whole school approach’ to diet and
health. Because they are progressive and cumulative from one age stage to the next, the framework will help children to develop a consistent set of food skills and knowledge.

Importantly, the competences apply to all learning experiences, both within and outside the school setting, and can be met at home or through other activities.

The food competences framework will be promoted through a UK-wide network of existing practitioners, already working through schemes such as the FSA What’s Cooking Programme, the Cooking Bus,
Healthy Schools Programmes and other cooking club programmes. The FSA will also be encouraging other relevant organisations to adopt the framework.

The food competences framework falls within the FSA’s core principles, also published today. These outline the Agency’s fundamental objectives of its work with schools across the UK.