With the increasing number of single parent families and working parents, meal preparation is often the responsibility of younger family members. Knowledge and understanding of basic food preparation and nutrition is important in order to make healthy food choices for individual and family well-being. Knowledge about nutrition is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Food-related health problems and eating disorders are major health concerns in Canada. The impact of eating highly refined, processed foods is affecting our short and long term health.
Damage caused by poor nutrition is cumulative and often begins with poor food habits in childhood.
A study of food can expose students to accurate information as well as provide opportunities for students to gain competence in making informed, reasoned choices. Traditional food preparation skills are being lost in today s fast paced lifestyles. Much of the food consumed is fast foods, partly prepared foods, or food eaten away from home. Time constraints and the effects of advertising have dramatically changed the types of foods prepared and eaten. Contrary to advertising claims, the preparation of nutritious foods does not have to be time consuming or difficult.