Culinary Arts II 

When people hear the words “meal planning or meal prep” they oftentimes think about the new “meal in a box”.  These boxed meals have skyrocketed in popularity because of the ease of preparation, fresh ingredients, and ability to have just enough ingredients to prepare the dish leading to less leftovers or waste.  There are so many different companies out there now (Home Chef, Dinnerly, Blue Apron, etc.)  These companies send a box of perishable food with all of the necessary ingredients and recipe cards to prepare the dish.  Most can be made in under 30 minutes.  The rise in popularity of these boxed meal kits can be attributed to the hectic lives of most families these days.  
 

In other cultures, we see more of a profound emphasis being put on meals for the most part. 
 

With a Celebration of Culture, you can: 

• Recognize the value of healthy food and identify healthy choices using culturally relevant examples. 

• Learn how foods from all cultures can be part of a healthy diet.

• Encourage nutrient-rich food choices from the diverse cuisines, cultures and traditions available today.

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People also connect to their cultural or ethnic group through similar food patterns. Immigrants often use food as a means of retaining their cultural identity. People from different cultural backgrounds eat different foods. The ingredients, methods of preparation, preservation techniques, and types of food eaten at different meals vary among cultures. The areas in which families live— and where their ancestors originated—influence food likes and dislikes. These food preferences result in patterns of food choices within a cultural or regional group.
 

Food plays an important role in the lives of families in most cultures. However, the degree of importance varies from culture to culture. Food traditions vary widely throughout the world. Even among people who share similar cultural backgrounds and some of the same food habits, eating patterns are not identical. Further, families vary from their own daily routines on holidays, when traveling, or when guests are present. Men eat differently from women. People of different age groups eat differently.
 

However, in most parts of the world, food is associated with hospitality and expression of friendship. Therefore, sensitivity to food rules and customs is important in building and strengthening cross-cultural relationships.