1. Chapter 9
food

2. Why do we need food? Food provides energy (Calories)
Carbohydrates – 6 cal/gram. Sugars, starches, grains, fruits
Proteins – 4 cal/gram. Lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, nuts
Fats – 7 cal/gram. From meat, vegetable oils, fish oils, butter
Total of Calories per day

3. Does everyone get enough to eat?
No, many people nationwide and globally are starving or malnourished (not enough vitamins or minerals in the diet) Why?
High population
Drought
Plant/animal disease
Famine – widespread food shortage
Political issues (war)

4. The history of agriculture...
Hunter/gatherers
Small subsistance farms – grow enough for one family
Large industrial farms – produce a high yield of crops/livestock.
Many use synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, and irrigation systems to support the high yield.

5. Issues in food production:
Organic, All natural, conventionally grown food
Genetically Modified Foods
Large, Industrial Factory Farms
Loss of Local Farms

6. Organic Food 100% Organic foods – Crops are NOT produced with:
Synthetic pesticides
Synthetic herbicides
Preservatives
Additives
Genetic engineering
Irradiation
Organic – made with 95% organic ingredients
Made with organic – 70%
Organic meats - animals raised with:
Limited use of antibiotics
No growth hormone
Free range – animals get some time out of cages
Natural or All Natural – is NOT regulated

7. Organic food: Pros and Cons
Organic food is healthier for you as it contains less chemicals
Organic food is better for the environment, as farming organically tends to have less impact on the soil
However, organic food can be much more expensive, so not everyone can afford it
Organic food may still have to travel many miles to reach your local stores

8. Organic Food: The dirty dozen A list of the 12 most contaminated:
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes

9. If cost is a factor, these foods are not as contaminated…
Foods you peel, such as bananas, corn, peas..
Coffee, as the bean is inside. Fair trade or shade grown beans are environmentally-friendy
Eggs, although free range is more animal friendly
Use a veggie wash to remove chemicals

10. Genetically Modified Organisms
Also known as GMOs, GM Foods, or “Frankenfoods” Link to cartoon
Definition: Combining genes from different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology, and the resulting organism is said to be "genetically modified," "genetically engineered," or "transgenic." GM products (current or those in development) include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds, and fibers. Source: genomics.energy.gov

11. Benefits of GM foods Higher yields of crops
Less land used for the same amount of crops
Less pesticides may be used
Nutrients can be added, this can help people get more from a smaller amount of food
Research is being done to try to add medicines and other substances to be expressed in the food, then harvested and extracted

12. Criticism of GM Foods
Fears that the genes are unsafe for humans to ingest
GM crops can crowd out native plants
Fears that medicines/chemicals created by crops can get into the food supply
Fears that genes can transfer to other plants

13. Factory Farming: Positives/Negatives

14. What is Factory Farming?
Factory farming is a term referring to the process of raising livestock in confinement at high stocking density, where a farm operates as a factory — a practice typical in industrial farming by agribusinesses. Source: Wikipedia
Main products are meat, milk, and eggs

15. Positives/Negatives of factory farming
Animals live in close quarters without much room to move
Antibiotics/pesticides are routinely used
Vast amounts of wastes are produced
Can out compete smaller farms
Produces high volume of product in a short amount of time
Needed to meet the demands of a growing human population
Can offer high amounts of food at a low cost

16. So, what choices can I make to help the environment?
Eat lower on the food chain, reducing meat intake or even becoming a vegetarian or vegan (no animal products)
Why? It takes less energy to feed a person with producers (green plants). Remember, it takes much more energy and food to raise livestock. (90% is lost at each level)

17. So, what choices can I make to help the environment?
Buy organic when affordable, as organic farming practices tend to be healthier for the environment
Consider shade-grown coffee as it protects the habitat
Buy products in season
Try grass-fed beef
But the best thing you can do to help the environment is….

18. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS!!
Food does not travel far to get to your plate = less energy from transportation (an average meal travels 1,500 miles!)
Food should be fresher = less preservatives
Promotes growth in your local farming community = business for friends and family
Be careful: not all food at a farmer’s market is local! Ask!
Local does not necessarily mean organic! If you are not sure, ask!

19. Finally, Grow Your OWN Food!
Growing a garden, no matter how big or small, is great for the environment!
Little if any energy to transport
You control the pests, fertilizers, and watering
Extra food can be shared, canned, frozen, dried…
Good for your health, too!