NURTURE: a Heart–Head–Hands–Feet curriculum framework for sustainable food systems and planetary health education

Introduction Nutrition and dietetics professionals are vital to food systems transformation; however, the integration of sustainable food systems and planetary health curricula in tertiary education remains inadequate. This article presents the NURTURE framework, a curriculum tool designed in collaboration with an Indigenous artist to support educators in preparing future professionals to address global planetary crises. Methods The framework organises 35 curriculum concepts previously identified by stakeholders across 27 countries as relevant for entry-level nutrition and dietetics professionals. Drawing on holistic educational models and Indigenous worldviews that emphasise the interconnected relationships between humans and nature, researchers mapped the concepts to four domains from an existing model: Heart, Head, Hands, and Feet, via independent blinded analysis and a consensus-building workshop. Through a process of co-construction, an Indigenous artist then visualised these concepts using paint on canvas. Results The NURTURE framework (Nutrition professionals’ Understanding, Reflective values, Translational skills, Utilising systems thinking, Responsible leadership, and Evidence-based action) establishes values-led pedagogy (HEART—affective concepts) as the foundation for knowledge (HEAD—cognitive concepts), practical competence (HANDS—psychomotor concepts), and evidence-based action (FEET—agency concepts). The model prioritises diverse knowledge systems and systems thinking to develop the competencies needed to navigate complex food system trade-offs. Discussion The NURTURE framework aims to support nutrition and dietetics educators to cultivate planetary empathy through deep learning and whole-person pedagogical approaches, prioritising Indigenous values-based philosophies. This adaptable curriculum tool will be applied and refined across diverse geographical contexts globally to advance sustainable food systems and planetary health education.