The mission of the Educated Choices Program (ECP) is to provide free, high-quality, science-based education to empower people to make healthy, sustainable food choices. As a global leader in food impact education, ECP recognizes that what we eat is one of the most significant drivers of environmental change. By fostering accessible education and food literacy, ECP equips students with the tools to become informed consumers and effective stewards of a more resilient future, bridging the gap between individual habits and global planetary health.

ECP’s work exists at the vital intersection of the TASS pillars of Food and Education for Sustainability. We believe these two pillars go hand in hand: a foundation of robust, evidence-based education empowers each individual to drive meaningful change in food systems. By integrating these themes, ECP helps students understand that they can have a positive impact on the world around them at every meal. This approach ensures that sustainability is not just an abstract concept for students to learn about, but a core value they can carry with them long after they leave the classroom.

At the heart of ECP’s efforts is a free library of digital programs, including environmentally-focused packages such as “The Environment and Modern Agriculture” and “Rethinking Food Waste.” These resources help students uncover the hidden environmental costs of industrial food production — from land and water depletion to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. Rather than prescribing a specific diet, ECP uses peer-reviewed research and engaging multimedia to spark critical thinking, allowing students to connect their daily habits to the broader health of Earth’s natural systems.

The impact of ECP’s educational model is both measurable and transformative. 90% of viewers report an intention to make more informed food choices, and independent research confirms that individuals select more environmentally-friendly foods after using these programs. With a reach of over 3.7 million people across more than 70 countries and territories worldwide, the impacts of this programming are far-reaching. By translating complex climate science into actionable personal choices, ECP helps TASS member schools empower a generation of future leaders to drive positive change.

TASS member schools can access the full library of ECP resources for free by visiting www.ecprogram.org