SAMPLE ANSWERS

Meal Planning

• How does planning meals help reducing food waste and saving money?
  • Meal planning helps you buy only what you need, avoiding unnecessary purchases that could go to waste. It also prevents food from sitting unused in the fridge.
  • By planning meals, you can use leftovers creatively and reduce impulse buying, which often leads to overspending and wasted ingredients.
• How can you involve your family in meal planning to make it more fun and inclusive?
  • You can ask each family member to suggest their favorite dish for the week and take turns deciding what to cook together.
  • Create a "family meal board" where everyone writes down ideas, and you vote on the week’s menu. It makes everyone feel involved and excited.
• What creative ways can you reuse leftovers to create new meals? Give examples.
  • Leftover rice can become fried rice, and extra roasted vegetables can be turned into a soup or pizza topping.
  • Stale bread can be used for bread pudding, and leftover pasta can be baked with cheese for a quick casserole.
• Why is portion control important, and how does it help prevent food waste?
  • Smaller portions ensure food isn’t wasted if you’re not as hungry as you thought. You can always take more if needed.
  • Controlling portions helps you avoid cooking too much, saving leftovers for another meal instead of throwing them away.

Look or Taste

• Why do farmers often prioritize the appearance of fruits and vegetables over their taste?
  • Farmers focus on looks because shiny, perfect produce sells better in markets, even if it’s less flavorful.
  • Attractive fruits and vegetables are easier to transport and store without spoiling, making them more profitable.
• Have you noticed a difference in taste between big, shiny fruits and smaller, less perfect ones? Which do you prefer and why?
  • Yes, smaller fruits often taste better because they contain less water and more concentrated flavor. I prefer them for their sweetness.
  • I’ve noticed the difference, but I prefer larger fruits because they look more appealing, even if they’re less flavorful.
• If you were to choose between two apples, one small but flavorful, the other large but bland, which would you pick and why?
  • I’d pick the small, flavorful apple because taste matters more to me than size.
  • I’d choose the large apple because it feels like better value for money, even if the taste is average.
• Have you ever done a taste test of fruits or vegetables? What did you learn from it?
  • Yes, I tasted strawberries of different sizes. The smaller ones were sweeter and more enjoyable.
  • I once compared tomatoes from a supermarket and a farmer’s market. The farmer’s market tomatoes were juicier and richer in flavor.

What’s Growing on Our Farms?

• Why is it risky to depend on only a few types of plants for most of our food supply?
  • It increases vulnerability to pests or diseases that could wipe out major crops, leading to food shortages.
  • Climate change could destroy one or more dominant crops, leaving us without alternatives for essential food.
• Compare the variety of crops eaten by our ancestors to what we consume today. What are the key differences?
  • Ancestors ate a diverse range of plants, including wild grains and greens, whereas today, most calories come from a few crops like rice, wheat, and corn.
  • Earlier diets relied on seasonal and local foods, while modern diets are dominated by processed foods from just a few global staples.
• How does climate change make the lack of crop diversity a dangerous issue for food security?
  • Extreme weather can damage the few crops we rely on, leaving no backup options to maintain food supply.
  • Monoculture farming is less adaptable to changing climates, increasing the risk of widespread crop failures.
• Name three uncommon edible plants you would like to try. Why do you find them interesting?
  • Amaranth (rich in nutrients), fiddlehead ferns (unique flavor), and Java plum (sweet-tart taste) intrigue me for their variety and health benefits.
  • Wild garlic (for its flavor), drumstick leaves (for their medicinal value), and Gotu Kola (for its mental clarity benefits) seem fascinating to explore.

Organic Farming is Good for the Earth

• What are the main differences between organic farming and industrial farming?
  • Organic farming uses natural fertilizers and pest control, while industrial farming relies on synthetic chemicals and large machinery.
  • Organic farming focuses on protecting the environment and biodiversity, whereas industrial farming prioritizes high yields and efficiency.
• Why is organic farming better for the soil and the environment compared to industrial farming?
  • Organic farming keeps soil healthy with compost and avoids pollution by not using harmful chemicals.
  • It enhances biodiversity and prevents water contamination, ensuring long-term environmental health.
• How do insects like ladybugs help organic farmers manage pests?
  • Ladybugs eat harmful insects like aphids, naturally protecting crops without chemicals.
  • They act as natural pest controllers, maintaining a balanced ecosystem on organic farms.
• What are some benefits of organic food for human health and local farmers?
  • Organic food is free from synthetic chemicals, making it healthier, and supports small-scale local farmers.
  • It’s richer in nutrients, safer to eat, and promotes sustainable farming practices that benefit communities.
• If you could start a small organic garden, what plants would you grow, and how would you keep them healthy without chemicals?
  • I’d grow tomatoes, spinach, and herbs like basil, using compost and marigolds to keep pests away naturally.
  • I’d plant carrots, lettuce, and beans, enriching the soil with homemade compost and using neem oil for pest control.