Focus Session: Food System Education in the KSA — the Edible Schoolyard Project

Speakers

Session Moderator

Ms. Dalia Al-Shahrani, Project Coordinator at the Center for Desert Agriculture, KAUST

Panelists

Dr. Badriah Alabdulkarim, Associate Professor of Nutrition, King Saud University & Consultant to the Deputy Minister of Agricultural Affairs, MEWA

Prof. Rod Wing, Professor of Plant Science and Director of the Center for Desert Agriculture, KAUST

Prof. Hala Hizam Alotaibi, Professor in Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, King Faisal University

Key messages

1. There are significant cultural challenges to achieve sustainable food security in the KSA.[1]

2. There is a general lack of awareness and concern around the food system and sustainable healthy diets[2] among the KSA population.[3]

3. Any effective public campaign around sustainable food in the KSA will need to address convenience and old habits.

Recommendations

1. Introduce a sustainable food system curriculum into all KSA schools through the Edible Schoolyard Project.

2. Transform cafeterias in schools to reflect priorities in school nutrition and sustainable diets and lifestyles.

3. Establish a national initiative which will be responsible for nutrition in schools.