Teacher & Educator RESOURCES
Engaging Students Through Creative Storytelling & Social Impact
A Cross-Curricular Opportunity for Your Classroom
Nourishing Narratives is a national mobile filmmaking competition that invites students ages 13-18 to explore food justice through creative storytelling. This project-based learning opportunity integrates seamlessly with multiple subject areas—from English and Social Studies to Health and Arts—while teaching 21st-century skills like media literacy, digital storytelling, and civic engagement.
Why Bring This to Your Students
Educational Benefits:
Meets Multiple Standards: Aligns with Common Core ELA, NGSS (sustainability), NCSS Social Studies, and ISTE technology standards.
Project-Based Learning: Students engage in authentic research, interviewing, scriptwriting, and multimedia production.
21st-Century Skills: Develops critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy.
Social-Emotional Learning: Builds empathy, social awareness, and understanding of community issues.
Student Voice & Agency: Empowers students to research issues they care about and share their perspectives authentically.
Student Opportunities:
Win Cash Prizes: Up to 10 films receive up to $1,000 each.
Build College Portfolios: Create authentic work that demonstrates research, creativity, and social awareness.
Develop Real-World Skills: Learn mobile filmmaking, interviewing, storytelling, and digital editing—all using smartphones.
Make an Impact: Raise awareness about food justice issues and inspire community action.
Competition Quick Facts
Eligibility
US students ages 13-18
Individual or team entries
No filmmaking experience needed
Timeline
Opens: March 6, 2026
Deadline: April 12, 2026
Winners: June 26, 2026
Requirements
2-3 minutes
Shot & edited on mobile device
Must include theme, prop, and saying
How to Integrate Into Your Curriculum
English Language Arts:
Narrative writing and storytelling techniques
Research and information gathering
Scriptwriting and storyboarding
Media literacy and visual rhetoric
Speaking and listening (interviews, narration)
Social Studies:
Civic engagement and community action
Social justice and equity issues
Food systems and agricultural history
Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural traditions
Economic systems and resource distribution
Health & Nutrition:
Nutrition education and food access
Food deserts and community health
School meal programs and food security
Cultural foods and dietary diversity
Science & Environmental Studies:
Sustainable agriculture and food production
Climate change impacts on food systems
Urban agriculture and community gardens
Ecosystems and biodiversity
Arts & Technology:
Digital storytelling and multimedia production
Visual composition and cinematography
Audio editing and sound design
Creative problem-solving with technology
Engaging Your Students
Getting Started:
Introduce Food Justice: Show examples of food justice issues (food deserts, school nutrition, Indigenous food sovereignty, community gardens).
Screen Past Winners: Watch winning films together to inspire ideas and show what's possible.
Brainstorm Local Connections: Help students identify food justice issues in their own communities or organizations working on solutions.
Make It Personal: Encourage students to explore cultural food traditions, family stories, or personal experiences with food access.
Implementation Options:
Full Class Project: Dedicate 2-4 weeks to research, production, and editing as a unit.
Extra Credit Opportunity: Offer as optional enrichment for motivated students.
After-School Club: Host workshop sessions for interested students.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with teachers from different subjects (ELA + Health, Social Studies + Arts).
Supporting Students:
Provide time for research and interviews
Teach basic mobile filmmaking techniques (lighting, framing, audio)
Introduce free editing apps (iMovie, CapCut, Adobe Rush, InShot)
Schedule peer feedback sessions for rough cuts
Help students identify community connections and interview subjects
Assist with submitting films and required forms
REQUIRED creative ELEMENTS
Theme
Creating Better Food Futures
Prop
Plate or Bowl
Saying
”Change Starts With Us”
Must be spoken, written, or displayed in any form
Teacher Resources & Support
Visit https://www.nourishing-narratives.com/ for:
Curriculum guide with lesson plans and educational standards
Past winning films for classroom screening
Mobile filmmaking tutorials and tips
Submission guidelines and entry forms
Questions & Support
For more information or promotional materials to share with your students and families: