Teacher Resources
Let’s learn about food security! Explore the available lesson plans below, designed for specific ages and understanding levels.
Learning Outcomes
After exploring the appropriate resources and lesson plans, students should be able to…
Understand the complex nature of food security and recognize the importance of programs and services in place to combat food insecurity.
Analyze food systems or where their food comes from and why food sustainability is necessary for food security.
Identify programs and formulate strategies to combat food insecurity and global hunger.
Available Lesson Plans
Identify the state of food insecurity locally and your ability to engage and advocate for change.
Grade 10
Guide to create an infographic about food security and existing support programs.
Grade 8
Introduction to proper growing practices and the basics of seasonal produce.
Grade 3
Additional Resources:
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES K-2 OR 3-5
This lesson plan has options for younger and older elementary-aged children, as they explore food systems. The activity directs students to identify where their food comes from, so they understand how food is grown, distributed, and eaten.
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES 1-3
Students will explore the idea of food as a basic human right. The purpose of this lesson plan is for students to develop empathy and an understanding of hunger as an issue rather than just a feeling. The lesson plan ends by having students recognize hunger and food insecurity as a global issue and identifying ways that we can help people who do not have access to food.
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES 1-12
This thorough lesson plan is modifiable depending on your students’ grade level. As students learn where their food comes from, how it impacts the environment, and the issue of food waste, they will gain an understanding of the importance of local, accessible food.
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES 6-8 OR 9-12
This interactive activity allows students to recognize contributing social, environmental, and personal influences that may impact an individual or family’s access to food.
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES 6-10
In this two-day lesson, students will be introduced to several issues related to the social, economic, and environmental impacts of our current food system, including food waste, food deserts, agricultural land use, and the environmental impacts of diet choices.
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES 9-12
This 90-minute lesson is largely lecture-based, with a group activity at the end. Students will explore the concept of food security, the history of hunger in America, and government programs and policies that attempt to increase food security. Students can learn the flaws of government assistance and how hunger is often deeply rooted in inequality.
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES 9-12
This 6-day experiential-based lesson plan challenges students to identify local and global issues around food security and hunger. Students will be asked to develop an action plan to support an initiative that addresses local hunger in the community.
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES 9-12
Students should gain an understanding of some of the barriers that limit an individual’s access to healthy food and what services exist in Ontario to support them. Students will be able to identify the ways Ontario’s supports and services both benefit and disadvantage those who rely on them.
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SUITABLE FOR GRADES 9-12
This activity directs students through the issue of food insecurity both locally and globally. Students will create a budget based on context cards that direct their needs, barriers, and privileges which impact their access to healthy food.
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