Does home economics lead to food literacy?

Very little research has been done on how home economics lessons in school affect the cooking competencies of individuals and families. Therefore a quali-tative, explorative approach is chosen. The research is divided in two packages: 1) The immediate effect of home economics on families' cooking practices is examined using a combination of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. 2) The extended effect is studied through interviews with young adults (18-25 years). The research will identify aspects of home economics lessons which play a role in forming children’s food literacy – e.g. the experience of cooking together. Study results may be used to provide recommendations to improve school policies.