Fifth-grade Students and Food Literacy: Connecting Knowledge with Everyday Practices

Food literacy is essential for elementary school students as it fosters healthy eating habits and equips them with the knowledge to make informed food choices. This study aims to describe the current state of food literacy among fifth-grade students. Employing a quantitative ex-post-facto design, the study utilized a multiple-choice test as the instrument to assess food literacy levels. The subjects of the research consisted of 32 fifth-grade students from a public elementary school in Bandung. Data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative methods. The findings reveal that while fifth graders possess a fair level of food literacy, it remains somewhat limited in scope. These results highlight the need for enhanced educational programs that focus on expanding students’ understanding of nutrition and food choices. The implications suggest that integrating comprehensive food literacy curricula in elementary education can significantly improve students’ health awareness and decision-making skills regarding food.