Transmission of food literacy to youth in Norwegian childcare institutions – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Youth in childcare institutions may have lower levels of food literacy compared to other youth. Food literacy, indicating the ability to plan and prepare meals from scratch, is associated with consuming healthier diets. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how food literacy is transmitted to youth through involvement and participation in food-related activities in Norwegian childcare institutions. Design: Data were collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews with 13 staff and 8 adolescents (>16 years of age) selected by convenient sampling in childcare institutions (n = 6) in South-East Norway. Results: We found that the institutional context provided both opportunities and limitations for transmitting food literacy. The staff tended to prefer a soft approach to transmitting food literacy due to the youth being perceived as vulnerable and a focus on youth autonomy. The youth showed ambivalent interests in participating in food-related activities and wished for their need to decide how much to be involved to be respected. A firm approach was perceived to increase the risk of conflict. Discussion: Our findings are best interpreted in light of a childcare institution being at the intersect between the homely and public spheres. There was ambivalence among staff between following institutional guidelines and caring for the different needs of residents. Food was often referred to as symbolizing something else in the relationship between staff and youth, such as care, structure, autonomy, and a normal family life. Conclusion: Initiatives aiming at including food literacy in care relations in childcare institutions are recommended.