I. Food Is a Reflection of Culture Culture – refers to the beliefs and social customs of a group of people Affects all aspects of life A. Historical Influences B. Ethnic Influences Ethnic foods – foods that are typical of a given racial, national, or religious culture Soul food – traditional food of the African American ethnic group Chitterlings, collard greens, ham hocks Food norm – typical standards and patterns related to food and eating behaviors i. Food Taboos – social customs that prohibit the use of certain edible resources as food.

D. Religious Influences C. Regional Influences D. Religious Influences Kosher foods – foods prepared according to laws based on religious beliefs

II. Social Influences on Food Choices Family - Single parent - Dual-worker families - Smaller family size - Families more mobile - Values – beliefs and attitudes that are important to people Friends The Status of Foods - Status Foods – foods that have a social impact on others D. Media

III. Emotions Affect Food Choices Emotional Responses to Food B. Using Food to Deal with Emotions C. Food Used for Rewards or Punishment D. Individual Preferences Affect Food Choices

IV. The Influences of Agriculture, Technology, Economics, and Politics A. Agriculture and Land Use Resources for Crops Fertile soil Water supply Favorable climate Technical knowledge Human energy Staple food – a mainstay food in the diet; supplies a large portion of the calories people need to maintain health

B. Technology C. The Economics of Food D. The Politics of Food Technology – application of a certain body of knowledge Modern machinery Faster food-processing systems Rapid transportation Food biotechnology – used knowledge of plant science and genetics to develop plants and animals with specific desirable traits while eliminating traits that are not desirable. Aseptic packaging – a packaging technology that preserves quality and extends shelf life of food C. The Economics of Food D. The Politics of Food

V. Nutrition Knowledge Affects Food Choices Magical powers Supplements Pesticides Curing diseases