Can addressing food literacy across the lifecycle improve the health of vulnerable populations?

Background. Food literacy programs improve an individual's knowledge and skills in the planning, management, selection, preparation, and eating of healthy foods. Unhealthy dietary patterns across the life cycle are associated with an increased risk of chronic disease. Foodbank WA's Healthy Food for All team has made addressing health inequity a priority, by enhancing food literacy skills of vulnerable people across the lifespan. Aim. Foodbank WA' food literacy programs aim to improve the health behaviours, and health outcomes, of people at risk of experiencing social and economic disadvantage. Methods. A case study approach was utilised to explore Foodbank WA's evidence-based food literacy programs: Food Sensations for Parents (of 0-5year olds), Food Sensations for Schools (kindergarten to Year 12), Fuel Your Future (adolescents 12-18 years), and Food Sensations for Adults (18 years and over). These programs are contextualised to meet the needs of vulnerable groups at all life stages. Results. In the...