Food Literacy

Food Literacy Many people in America often take the knowledge of health for granted. As fast food increases, people start to cook less and go out to eat more, especially with busy schedules. In the American culture, portion sizes are a lot bigger, the food always tastes better, and compared to other countries, food is a lot cheaper and easier to obtain. All of these factors lead to food literacy not being strong in America. Over the last 10-20 years, obesity has increased immensely and the number of heart attacks has gone up. As these serious problems have become more widespread, it should capture the attention of Americans and make them realize that they need to become more literate in a topic that seems so small yet has a huge impact in peoples’ everyday lives. Being healthy plays a large role in the lives of all Americans. They need to be knowledgeable about what they are eating and where the food is coming from because if not, they will not be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the article, “A Nation of Religious Illiterates;” the author Stephen Prothero talks about how people need to be aware of all religions and what they are about before choosing one. If they do not know the facts then they should not be able to classify themselves into a certain religion. Prothero states: “…a rhetoric of lament, and tucked inside that rhetoric is a certainty that not so long ago in a place not so far away things used to be much, much better” (Prothero, 2003, p. 205). Prothero is saying that many people think of literacy as something that they need to go back to. Americans need to be aware of these literacies and broaden their horizons when they are thinking about the importance of food literacy. All age groups around America are highly affected by this food literacy issue. Americans need to be literate in food so that they can keep a balanced diet in order to help them have longer life expectancy. What Americans eat and buy has an effect on agriculture (e.g.

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