1. The importance of food

2. History of food
First raw food – fire and cooked food discovered accidentally
Tribes started forming for protection and ease of hunting
Domesticating of animals, growing of crops
Diversification to other skills when no longer dependant on hunting

3. Migration of food Food migrated for reasons such as,
Religious / political persecution
Exploration of continents
Colonisation
This lead to exchange of ingredients & preparation methods and increased food variety available.
E.g. Spanish explorers introduced sugar and wheat to North America

4. Food meet physical needs
Hunger -the physical need for food – signal from intestines and stomach, if ignored can lead to headache or dizziness
Appetite – psychological desire to eat (braai, cookies) – has larger influence on your food choices
Improves Wellness – The state of overall good health (physical, social, mental health)

5. Cultural influences on food choices
The customs and beliefs of a social, religious or social group. Influences food habits
What you choose when hungry?
Where do you usually eat?
Who is with you when you eat?
When do you eat?
How does food make you feel?

6. Social influences on food choices
Family, social and business activities often centered around food & Beverages.
Social life affects eating habits & food choices through peer pressure etc.
Mass media and current trends affect purchasing decisions through advertising information sharing (ask who did the research, how large was the sample, who paid for the research, was it published)
Food fads and fallacies
Food product trends- health , convenience, taste

7. Psychological influences on food choices
How thoughts and feelings affects your behavior.
Often based on memories of experiences of which odor is very important
Affects why you eat as well as what you eat
(sad=don’t eat, lonely = eat for comfort)
Food preparation can lead to psychological effect e.g. pride, creative outlet, self-esteem

8. Factors affecting food supply
Agriculture and environment
Government (growing, processing, packaging and labeling laws)
Economics
Technology – nutrient content, artificial sweeteners, fat replacers
Availability – more food from same land etc.
Safety – food borne diseases, processing methods