Sustainability

Lesson Overview: Sustainability is a multifaceted issue, in which the food production system and our diets play a crucial role. Achieving a healthy and sustainable food future is an urgent matter that depends on global collaborative efforts (Harvard University School of Public Health) . In this lesson, you will be learning about sustainability of food through hands-on activities. These activities will include preparing a meal while also considering uses for leftovers and utilizing food storage and preparation in order to diminish the cost and environmental impact of food waste. Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this lesson and activities, you will be able to: 1. Explain, in writing, oral discussion, and through the completion of lab activities, the cost and environmental impacts of food waste and sustainability practices. 2. Formulate meal planning that focuses on sustainable practices (eliminating food waste). 3. Plan and implement proper food storage and preservation methods. 4. Justify, in writing, the importance of reading/following a recipe to eliminate waste of material and time. Enduring Understandings: • You will know how to determine the sustainability of food in the development of environmentally appropriate food recipes. • You will make conscious decisions about purchasing food, cooking with food on hand, and properly storing food to reduce waste. Resources and References: 1. Access to Internet 2. Food lab items that include 5-19 perishable foods, shelf stable, and “pantry items” 3. Video: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Strawberry (:60) 4. Slideshow: Introduction - Minimizing Food Waste 5. Handouts: • Food Storage Chart.pdf • Cost Sheet • Lab Planning Sheet • PSA Poster Planning Guide • Brainstorming Sheet 6. Apps: • Pear Deck (Free version) • Flipgrid | Empower Every Voice (Free version) • Canva.com (Free version) 7. Articles/Websites: • 11 practical ways you can reduce food waste and save money • 20 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Food Waste • Food Waste FAQs • How Much Food Do We Waste? Probably More Than You Think • How to Freeze It: The Right Way to Store Meat, Produce, and More • Food Storage Chart.pdf • Still Tasty • How to Create the Perfect Public Service Announcement 5. Demonstrate, through the creation of a planned meal, using food leftovers. 6. List, discuss, and use common food substitutions and equivalents in recipes.