We all have our own histories and experiences towards food and eating practices. Create an inclusive environment by assessing your biases regarding food and eating practices.
On this page
What are biases towards food and eating practices?
Biases are your attitudes and beliefs towards food and eating practices.
For example, you may see a child eating rice with their hands and feel inclined to tell them to eat with utensils. Instead, it is useful to consider that in many cultures, eating with hands is an acceptable and encouraged practice.
Recognize your biases
Use the following questions to reflect on and acknowledge your biases. Consider how you can be aware of these and avoid transferring bias and judgment during activities.
Beliefs and preferences around food and eating practices
- How has your upbringing influenced your beliefs around food and eating practices?
- What food preferences and food habits do you have because of your own cultural background?
- How could these be different from those of children in your group?
Different cultures
- Do you have access to information about food practices in different cultures, other than what is represented in media? For example:
- evidence-informed resources
- relationships with cultural organizations
- relationships with individuals from different cultural backgrounds
Access to food and safe drinking water
- What do you know about different peoples’ access to food and safe drinking water in your community?
- What do you know about the availability and access to food and safe drinking water in communities beyond your own?
Tip: Consider identifying relevant resources from local public health organizations.
Views on different body shapes and sizes
- Do you have preconceived views on various body shapes and sizes?
- Where do these come from? What at are these based on?
- How have societal messages and the media impacted your views?
- Are the activities, conversations, or images you present to children free of negative views?