Sustainable food systems education in nutrition and dietetics: an appraisal of the tertiary landscape in multiple countries
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 28 August 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Despite a growing awareness of the gap between professional expectations and competence, there has been no comprehensive appraisal of sustainable food systems (SFS) education within dietetics and nutrition programs to date. Dietitians and nutritionists play important roles in promoting sustainability yet many perceive themselves to be inadequately trained. The purpose of this study was to explore how, and to what degree, SFS education is incorporated into accredited nutrition and dietetics programs in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.
Design/methodology/approach
A content analysis of course descriptions from program websites was conducted between 2021 and 2022. Courses were reviewed, analyzed and evaluated using a novel sustainability metric.
Findings
SFS is integrated into the education environment of some, but not all, dietetics and nutrition programs to varying degrees (no, partial and full). Partial and full integration was present in a small percentage of courses, with a larger percentage in nutrition programs. SFS education was offered more often through a single unit than a dedicated course. Twelve best practice examples of courses dedicated to SFS were identified. In the UK, their focus was nutrition and diet, contrasting food and food systems in Australia and Canada.
Originality/value
These findings provide insight into SFS education for professional societies, instructors and program directors. Through intentional curricular design considerations supported by this study, program leads can take small conscious reorganizational steps to integrate SFS. This study offers a sound methodology to initiate and benchmark further assessment and a novel approach for other professions looking to equip their future workforce through SFS education.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the dedicated students in the introductory food systems course at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (USA) for their support with the initial data collection.
Citation
Wegener, J., Carlsson, L., Barbour, L., Everitt, T., Pettinger, C., Reguant-Closa, A., Meyer, N., Svette, S., Hassan, D. and Platnar, J. (2024), "Sustainable food systems education in nutrition and dietetics: an appraisal of the tertiary landscape in multiple countries", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-09-2023-0449
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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