Food, Taste and Education: Food ateliers in a Reggio Emilia perspective

Food education has traditionally focused on health-oriented issues like improving or developing healthy eating habits, combatting obesity and/or eating disorders. Aspects regarding the emotional, relational and sensory aspects of food and taste have often not been considered among the main aims of teaching/learning, although in recent years there has been a shift towards recognising the importance of the role of food in
education. Jennifer’s research, stemming from three case studies, offers concrete examples of what learner-centred, sense-based food and taste education can look like as well as
insight into the thinking underlying the Reggio approach to food and taste education.

Jennifer Coe has a background in fine art and the humanities. She lives in Italy and has worked as an atelierista since 2010. Currently she is completing her PhD in “Reggio Childhood Studies” at the Università di Modena and Reggio Emilia. Her research interests include food & taste education and play & learning.

London ReFocus is part of the Sightlines Initiative network, bringing together educators, artists, researchers and others interested in developing a creative and reflective approach to
early years education, inspired by the practice of Reggio Emilia.