New Activity Idea: What's the Real Cost?
Interactive Activity Ideas Week continues! If you missed the first installment, check out the posts on the Food and Health blog. Today, we're going to talk about the real cost of food...
Activity #2: What’s the Real Cost?
Grab a bag or two of apples and potatoes before your presentation. While you’re at the store, pick up a container of apple pop tarts and a big bag of potato chips.
Photocopy the Nutrition Facts labels from your purchases or copy the relevant information from each item onto a blackboard or chalkboard that everyone can see.
Once your participants arrive, divide them into groups and have them calculate the cost per ounce of all the foods you bought.
After everyone has calculated the cost per ounce of each item, have them all return to their seats and share their findings. Which foods were more expensive? Which were cheaper? Was this a surprise, or was it expected? What do the results mean when it comes to shopping healthfully on a budget?
Activity Debrief:
Many people don't realize the cost per ounce of the foods they buy. Whole foods are nutrient powerhouses, full of fiber and other keys to a healthful diet. Proving that they aren't necessarily going to break the bank can make them more appealing and accessible to your clients.
If you would like to take this activity even further, you can talk about the healthcare costs associated with things like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. How does the food they eat play a role? What is the cost of good nutrition?
The fun isn't over yet! There are more interactive ideas on the way!
3 Steps for a Healthful Life Banner