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OFA launches new food literacy initiative

New program aims to help youths prepare their own meals

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

Until Sunday, October 11th, Ontario Agriculture Week will be recognized in the province. The weeklong celebration helps consumers appreciate the farmers for the work they put in and the food they help produce. Food that will be spread across tables as Canadian Thanksgiving quickly approaches.

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As part of Ontario Agriculture Week, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) launched a new program targeting teenagers up to 16 years old – Six by Sixteen.

The program is designed to help young people learn how to plan and prepare six nutritious meals using locally grown ingredients by the time they’re 16 years old. 

“We’ve partnered with commodity groups to use the tremendous amount of materials already available to help Ontario’s younger generation learn how to make healthy choices,” said Don McCabe, OFA President in a release. “When we teach our children to make good food choices, we prepare them for a lifetime of health.”

Working with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, OFA recognized the importance and need for food literacy as part of the National Food Strategy.

“Having knowledge of local food and supporting the industry that grows local food helps strengthen our communities, supports a sustainable environment, creates jobs and boosts our local economies. Industry initiatives, such as the Six by Sixteen campaign, are positive ways to create awareness of both healthy eating and the good things that grow, right here, in Ontario,” said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in a release.

Throughout the week, people are invited to show their love for local agriculture by posting photos to social media using the hashtag #loveONTfood and to visit loveontfood.ca.

Join the discussion and tell us how important it is for young people to know where their food comes from and how to use the produce to make nutritious and healthy meals.


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