ObjectivesTo use theoretical frameworks and a systematic process to develop a curriculum aimed at improving food literacy in high school-aged adolescents. MethodsSocial Cognitive Theory (SCT) and constructivism were selected as guiding theoretical frameworks. Three overarching topics were identified as essential to advancing food literacy: agriculture, nutrition, and cooking. One nutrition researcher, one agriculture/food systems researcher, and one professional chef collaborated as topic experts. Thirteen undergraduate interns majoring in related subjects were recruited to draft lessons. The development team met weekly over 9 months. The first meeting consisted of introducing interns to food literacy, adolescent development, and curriculum development processes. Utilizing backward design, the team began by identifying lesson objectives relevant to high school-aged adolescents for each topic. Next the team determined acceptable evidence of learning for each objective using authentic assessment. Finally, interns created an activity for each objective and assessment pairing. The pedagogical approach for the activities was guided inquiry following the 5-step experiential cycle. Once lessons were drafted, weekly meetings were used for internally pilot-testing lessons and group discussions. ResultsUtilizing SCT, constructivism, and backward design resulted in the development of Teens CAN: Comprehensive Food Literacy in Cooking, Agriculture, and Nutrition. Teens CAN features twelve inquiry-based and experiential modules with the overarching topics of agriculture, nutrition, and cooking. The modules feature concept-based experiential and application activities. Agriculture concepts include technology innovations, agroecology, and the food environment. Nutrition concepts cover general nutrition, nutrients of concern for adolescents, and recommendations. Cooking concepts feature food safety, food resource management, and cooking techniques. ConclusionsTeens CAN fills a need for comprehensive food literacy curricula for high school-aged adolescents. After formal testing, the curriculum can be implemented in various learning environments, such as informally in after-school programs or integrated into formal education. Funding SourcesUC ANR and USDA NIFA.