Discovering the Food System Lesson 3: Think Globally, Eat Locally

Home • Division of Nutritional   Sciences • Department of   Horticulture • Acknowledgements

Printer-friendly .pdf version of this lesson Summary When we hear the common saying, "Think Globally, Act Locally," food may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, what we choose to eat is connected to a food system. That food system may be very local, such as an apple from a neighboring orchard, or global, such as apples coming from New Zealand, Japan, or Canada. The major goal of this lesson is for us to become familiar with local and global aspects of our food system. The first activity will help us define the terms "local," "regional," and "global." We will then participate in an activity to demonstrate these differences in energy consumed in local and global food systems. Other ideas are offered in the Going Further section. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, we will be able to: Have an increased understanding of how the steps in the food system are interrelated. Explore the concepts of "local," "regional," and "global" food systems. Have an increased awareness of how energy is needed and used in the food system. Explain how our food choices can affect the community and global system. Key Concepts Local food system (and "localization") Global food system (and "globalization") Regional food system (and "regionalization") Community Sustainability Food Miles Cost versus Price Activities See Printer-friendly .pdf version of this lesson for complete actvities, background information, handouts, etc. Defining the terms "Local," "Regional," and "Global." Local and Global Food Systems - Energy Comparison Local and Global Food Systems - Energy Comparison Follow-up Miles in Your Breakfast Food for Thought Journal Websites used in this lesson: Mapquest Energy Information Administration: Annual Energy Review 2001 PDF Files Calculate Your Ecological Footprint Redefining Progress Community Food System Primer Food, Fuel, and Freeways: An Iowa perspective on how far food travels, fuel usage, and greenhouse gas emissions