Home Economics - Junior Secondary 2 - Food purchasing, processing, preservation and storage

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 7

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes each for 2 periods

DATE:

SUBJECT: Home economics

TOPIC: Food purchasing, processing, preservation and storage

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Define food purchasing
2. ) State the importance of buying good quality food stuffs
3. ) Highlight the factors to consider when buying food
4. ) Discuss the methods of purchasing foods: meaning, advantages and disadvantages
5. ) Outline some wise buying practices

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Home economics textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: PERIOD 1-2:

NOTE

FOOD PURCHASING, PROCESSING, PRESERVATION AND STORAGE

Food Purchasing refers to the process of buying food products, either in a retail setting (e.g., supermarkets, local markets) or through bulk buying, to meet the food needs of individuals, families, or businesses. It involves selecting, ordering, and paying for food items to ensure availability and meet nutritional, quality, and budget requirements.

Importance of Buying Good Quality Foodstuffs

1. Health and Safety:
   Good quality food ensures that you consume fresh, nutritious, and safe products. Poor-quality food can lead to health risks, such as foodborne illnesses, malnutrition, and deficiencies.
2. Better Taste and Nutritional Value:
   Fresh and high-quality food retains better flavor, texture, and essential nutrients, which contribute to the overall satisfaction and health benefits of the meals prepared.
3. Cost-Effectiveness:
   Buying quality food can be more economical in the long run because it is less likely to spoil quickly and offers more nutritional value, reducing the need for supplements or medical care due to poor nutrition.

Factors to Consider When Buying Food

1. Price:
   Compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal while still maintaining quality. Look out for sales, discounts, and promotions.
2. Freshness:
   Check the freshness of perishable items like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products to ensure they are not close to expiration or have spoiled.
3. Nutritional Value:
   Consider the nutritional content of food, focusing on key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Choose foods that support a balanced diet.
4. Storage and Shelf Life:
   Evaluate the shelf life of non-perishable items and ensure you can store perishable goods properly to prevent waste or spoilage.
5. Brand Reputation:
   Consider the reputation of food brands, particularly for processed or packaged foods. Trusted brands are more likely to provide high-quality products.
6. Packaging:
   Ensure food packaging is intact and secure, especially for packaged items. Damaged packaging may compromise the quality or safety of the product.
7. Special Dietary Needs:
   If there are any dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-sodium, check labels carefully for compliance.

Methods of Purchasing Foods: Meaning, Advantages, and Disadvantages

1. Retail Purchases (Supermarkets, Markets)
   • Meaning: Buying food from stores or markets where goods are readily available for individual selection and purchase.
   • Advantages:
     • Wide variety of food products available.
     • Immediate availability of fresh produce.
     • Opportunity to inspect the quality of goods before purchasing.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Prices may be higher compared to bulk buying.
     • Time-consuming and may involve travel to stores.

2. Wholesale/Bulk Buying
   • Meaning: Purchasing food in large quantities, typically at discounted rates from wholesalers or large suppliers.
   • Advantages:
     • Cost savings due to bulk pricing.
     • Convenient for households or businesses that require large amounts of the same product.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Requires storage space for bulk items.
     • Potential for food wastage if not consumed before expiry.

3. Online Shopping
   • Meaning: Buying food via e-commerce platforms or grocery delivery services.
   • Advantages:
     • Convenient, no need to leave the house.
     • Wide selection of food available, often with home delivery.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Delivery fees may apply.
     • You cannot inspect food quality in person, particularly for fresh items.

4. Direct Purchase from Farmers or Local Producers
   • Meaning: Buying food directly from local farmers, cooperatives, or farmers' markets.
   • Advantages:
     • Fresh, locally grown food, often organic.
     • Supports local farmers and reduces environmental impact.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Limited availability of certain products.
     • May be more expensive than supermarket options.

Wise Buying Practices

1. Plan Meals in Advance:
   • Plan meals for the week and create a shopping list to avoid impulse buying and minimize food waste.
2. Buy in Season:
   • Purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season, as they tend to be fresher, more flavorful, and often more affordable.
3. Check Expiration Dates:
   • Always check expiration or "use by" dates on products to ensure they will be used before they spoil.
4. Compare Prices and Brands:
   • Compare the prices of different brands and sizes to get the best value for your money. Consider generic brands that may be cheaper but offer the same quality as name-brand items.
5. Buy Store-Brand Items:
   • Often, store-brand or generic items are of comparable quality to name-brand products, but they are typically less expensive.
6. Use Coupons and Discounts:
   • Take advantage of sales, coupons, and discounts to save money on food purchases.
7. Avoid Shopping on an Empty Stomach:
   • Shopping while hungry can lead to impulse purchases of unhealthy or unnecessary items. Eat beforehand to make more mindful choices

EVALUATION:

1. Why is it important to consider food quality when purchasing food items, and what are the potential consequences of buying poor-quality food?
2. Describe the factors that should be considered when buying food and explain why each factor is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions.
3. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing food from retail stores, bulk buying, and online shopping.
4. What are some wise buying practices to ensure you get the best value for your money while maintaining food quality?
5. How does purchasing food directly from farmers or local producers benefit both the consumer and the community?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively