IN-PERSON: Learning. Life. Work

Abstract

Food literacy extends far beyond the mere nutritional value of what is served on a plate. As the ancient adage may have suggested, “Man shall not live by nutrition alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of formation.” This conference presentation delves into the multifaceted dimensions of food in educational and formative settings, emphasizing that the act of eating itself is a rich source of learning, encompassing manners, sustainability, economics, culinary arts, and socio-political aspects. By reframing eating as a pedagogical activity within educational and formative spaces, the goal is to create a educational hybrid where socialization, empathy, cultural exchange, embodiment, and a profound understanding of individual and collective dynamics can flourish. This educational space fosters self-determination, co-determination, solidarity, and general life skills, all foundational to a thriving democracy. Viewing eating as an educational and formative activity invites a diverse range of subjects and interdisciplinary studies to collaborate toward common goals. This presentation draws primarily from a comprehensive Ph.D. study (Jacobsen, 2020), which explored teachers’ practices and perceptions of eating in schools. The research was conducted across six schools in the Greater Copenhagen area, with observations and qualitative interviews involving 27 teachers, kitchen staff, and school directors. Additionally, a follow-up study will expand the scope to include pre-school teachers, kitchen staff, and directors. This presentation will showcase the transformative potential of recognizing eating as an integral part of education, inspiring dialogue, and collaboration across a spectrum of disciplines, including the arts and humanities, design and media studies, science and technology, health and nutrition, and the social sciences.