Maths &
Health
Level
3-4
Using Symbols, Language, Text
and Thinking
What's the Real cost of Food?
Scenario
A family of four has $100. How can they meet their nutritional needs for
dinner for a week (7 meals)? Explore advertising circulars and design an
evening meal planner.
1. Review the food pyramid, identifying food groups.
2. Explore the recommended portion sizes for dinner for an adult and a young
person.
3. Use advertising materials to find out what ingredients cost i.e.
carrots, canned tomatoes, mince etc
4. Brainstorm what kinds of meals the family could have for dinner.
5. Research websites or cookbooks for recipes that are quick, easy
to prepare, nutritious to eat and low cost
6. Create a meal planner for the week based on the meals you have
discovered in your research.
7. Create a shopping list that falls within the budget.
Extension
Choose one of the meals and prepare it for your family. Record the
process and upload your video to YouTube.
Explore
How much does it cost for a family of four to go out to dinner in your
area? Explore the cost of food at restaurants and fast food places.
If you feed a family of four on fast food for a week (breakfast, lunch and
tea), how much could it cost? How much could it cost if you went to the
supermarket to purchase ingredients for these meals?
What could be some of the effects of eating large amounts of fast food
on the body, and on the family food budget?
What are some of the ways that families can reduce the cost of their
food bill while still maintaining a balanced and varied diet?
To find out more about Life Education Trust in your local area
visit www.lifeeducation.org.nz or call 0800 454 333
Materials
•
Advertising circulars
• Internet