Local Food Strategies
Insecurity over when you might next eat induces stress. We like to know when and where our next meal is coming from. It is this psychological relationship with food that partly lies behind the stark assessment that has been attributed to MI5, that we are 'just 4 meals from anarchy'.
On a more practical level, it is clear that the move towards a 'just in time' supply chain has also had an impact. Geographers are familiar with this idea that has been introduced into many businesses as a cost-cutting measure, but can also lead to some issues with supply chains being disrupted, such as by bad weather, or the fuel protests of 2005.
What strategies could be used by families in the UK to cope with the 'Supermarket Shock' that was introduced in the previous unit?
One method for exploring an issue that has been used by teachers is called the ‘Thumbometer'.
Here, students hold their thumb up if the measure that has been proposed meets with their approval / or if they understand the idea that is being discussed.
They hold their thumb down if the measure that has been proposed does not meet with their approval / of if they don't understand the idea that is being discussed.
They hold their thumb level and waggle it if they are unsure about their views.
Activity 1: Local food strategies
Another method for exploring an issue is 'traffic lighting'.
Download PowerPoint: Strategies for dealing with rising food prices
Use the cards from the PowerPoint to explore which strategies that you would find easier or more difficult to adopt. This uses a TRAFFIC LIGHT system.
GREEN means that you would be happy to do this.
AMBER / ORANGE means that you would have doubts .
RED means that you would be very unhappy to have to do this, or would be unable to do it.
Work through each of the strategies that have been suggested. Which strategies were graded as RED? Which strategies were graded as GREEN?
Explore and record the responses of students as this task is completed. How do they differ from your own? What additional strategies can they come up with?
Record the outcome of these thoughts and discussions.
Activity 2: Buy one get one free
A final point to consider is the discounting of food by supermarkets, and the impact this has on food wastage. Which food items are generally made available at a discounted price, or with a BOGOF ('Buy one get one free') deal?
Are we being encouraged to eat healthily?
Are we being encouraged to shop prudently?
Although this is not within the scope this particular course, it may be worth following the unit by taking a look at the environmental implications of our lifestyle, as this too has some controversial aspects. See the WRAP website as a useful starting point for your exploration.
Course Units
 Introduction |
 Getting Started |
 Supermarket Shock |
 Local Food Strategies |
 Global Food Strategies |
 The Perfect Storm? |
 Food Aid |
 Getting the Message Across |
 Making a meal of it |
 Pedagogy and Thinking |
 Plenary |
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