Dietetics Question

the three ingredient for journals are chicken, japanese curry powder and coconut milk.

one part of journal can have pictures.

NATS1560
UNDERSTANDING FOOD
FALL 2023
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright notice: This document is part of the course, NATS1560 Fall 2023. It is intended to be used for this course only and may be used for
course-appropriate purposes only. No part of it may be published or re-posted anywhere in any form. Any violation of these restrictions will be
prosecuted.
______________________________________________________________________________
Documenting the Origins of Our Food
Objective:
The purpose of this assignment is to encourage you to explore and document the journey of
your food from its origin to your plate. The focus should be on the process rather than the end
results, emphasizing the understanding of where food comes from, how it is produced, and the
impact on the environment and society.
The inspiration for this assignment comes from a can of stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) that I
bought from Dollarama. I wanted to know where the ingredients came from in more detail than
“Product of Turkey.” I researched the company online, called Dollarama’s head office, called
CFIA, asked all the questions, and came up with nothing – I had no idea where the grape leaves
were grown, the rice was harvested, the oil was pressed, the grape leaves assembled, the
finished product was canned, or how it got to my shelf in the grocery store (if you can call
Dollarama a grocery store). But it taught me a lot about how opaque our food system is, which
is part of the learning of this assignment. This is why this assignment will be marked entirely
on the effort that you put into it, not on whether you are successful in finding the answers.
This assignment will have two written components:
1. A Field Journal, where you document your research, observations, and reflections in a
diary-like format. I want to see each step you took to come to your ultimate findings (or
dead ends). This journal can include written entries, sketches, photographs, diagrams, or
other ways of capturing the process. It will, however, have to be submitted in a .docx or
.pdf format, so keep that in mind if you are writing in a physical journal that will have to
be transcribed or scanned. As this component will vary amongst students, there is no
word limit to this section of the assignment. It does have a minimum of five pages
double spaced, however. Please cite all of your sources for your findings, both in-text
and in a reference page at the end.
2. A Personal Reflection Essay, where you write an essay that explores your thoughts,
experiences, and insights related to the journey of your chosen food items from their
origin to your plate. The reflective essay format is a structured way for you to share your
personal reactions and understanding of the research process. As you are explaining
your journey to finding your food’s origins, your essay should be a summary of what you
found in your field journal along with personal reflections on what that means to you.
This section of the assignment should be 1000-1500 words (4-6 pages double spaced)
and is explained in more detail below. Please cite everything you refer to, both in-text
and in a reference page.
1
NATS1560
UNDERSTANDING FOOD
FALL 2023
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright notice: This document is part of the course, NATS1560 Fall 2023. It is intended to be used for this course only and may be used for
course-appropriate purposes only. No part of it may be published or re-posted anywhere in any form. Any violation of these restrictions will be
prosecuted.
______________________________________________________________________________
Instructions:
Part 1: Research and Planning
1. Choose three ingredients from your recipe: Ideally, each ingredient is from a different
category of the NOVA food classification system (see below). That would mean something like
this:
1. My potatoes are from the first classification – unprocessed food
2. My oil is from the second category – processed culinary ingredients.
3. My (industrially made) pickles are from the third category – processed food.
NOTE 1: If your food has a substantial list of ingredients, it’s a processed food. That includes
pasta, bread, pasta sauce, most food products that are canned, etc.
NOTE 2: You don’t have to choose the major macronutrients of your recipe, here you may
choose spices, salt, pepper, etc., especially for your processed culinary ingredients. If in doubt,
check out the NOVA food classification system PDF on eClass for further guidance.
NOTE 3: If your food is a “food product,” it fits into category four, Ultra-Processed foods.
2
NATS1560
UNDERSTANDING FOOD
FALL 2023
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright notice: This document is part of the course, NATS1560 Fall 2023. It is intended to be used for this course only and may be used for
course-appropriate purposes only. No part of it may be published or re-posted anywhere in any form. Any violation of these restrictions will be
prosecuted.
______________________________________________________________________________
Part 2: Comprehensive Research
In this section, you will delve deeply into the origin and production of your chosen food items
by keeping a diary or field journal of everything you are able to find out about your food. You
will do this by considering a wide range of factors, including but not limited to: farming
environment, region-specific details, climate, processing methods, and shipping logistics.
Remember again that the assignment is about documenting the process by which you get to
these answers, not the answers themselves. You probably will not be able to find out
everything about all your foods, but I want you to attempt to do so, and show me your work.
The guide below is just a suggestion and may not consider everything that you would like to
know about the food item. Marks will be awarded primarily for the efforts that you make, not
the information you expose (but if you can find out that information, even better!)
NOTE 4: For NOVA category 3 and 4 foods (your processed & ultra-processed foods – like my
stuffed grape leaves), you may break down the food into its individual ingredients and research
each ingredient separately, to gain further insights into its production. Note that you don’t have
to do this for all ingredients! But the more detailed you can be in this section, the better.
Some (but not all) avenues for exploration are detailed below:
1. Farm Exploration:
a. Identify the primary regions and specific farms where your chosen food items are
grown, raised, or produced. Research the type of farming practices employed,
whether they are conventional, organic, sustainable, or unique in any way.
b. Investigate the farming conditions, including soil composition, and its impact on
the growth and quality of the food item. Explore how soil health is diminished,
maintained, or improved through agricultural practices.
c. Examine the influence of climate in the chosen regions, including temperature,
precipitation, and seasonal variations. How does climate affect the crop or food
item’s production? How does climate change affect the crop or food item’s
production?
d. Research labour conditions on these farms, including aspects such as wages,
working hours, safety, and social and ethical considerations.
3
NATS1560
UNDERSTANDING FOOD
FALL 2023
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright notice: This document is part of the course, NATS1560 Fall 2023. It is intended to be used for this course only and may be used for
course-appropriate purposes only. No part of it may be published or re-posted anywhere in any form. Any violation of these restrictions will be
prosecuted.
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Company and Supply Chain Investigation:
a. Research the companies or organizations responsible for the distribution and
processing of your chosen food items. This may include international
conglomerates, local cooperatives, or family-owned businesses.
b. Explore the supply chain and trace the food item’s journey from the farm to your
local market. Identify key stakeholders such as producers, distributors, retailers,
and any certification bodies or regulatory agencies involved.
c. Investigate the practices and values of the companies in the supply chain, with a
particular focus on sustainability, fair trade, and ethical considerations.
3. Seed Origins and Varieties:
a. Delve into the origins of the seeds used for cultivating your chosen food item.
Determine if they are native or imported and whether there are any unique
varieties or genetic modifications involved.
b. Explore the role of seed selection, breeding, and preservation in ensuring the
quality and sustainability of the food item.
c. Investigate any challenges or controversies related to seed sourcing, including
how specific seeds are chosen to thrive in particular climates and soils.
4. Processing and Shipping:
a. Examine the processing methods and technologies employed to transform your
chosen food item from its raw state to the final product available in the market.
b. Investigate the shipping and transportation logistics involved in bringing the food
item from the production site to your local market. Consider factors such as
transportation methods, packaging, and preservation techniques.
By conducting this comprehensive research into the farming practices, region, climate,
processing methods, and shipping logistics associated with your chosen food item, you will
develop a more holistic understanding of its journey from the farm to your plate. This thorough
exploration will enable you to appreciate the multifaceted aspects of the global food system and
its impact on both the environment and society.
4
NATS1560
UNDERSTANDING FOOD
FALL 2023
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright notice: This document is part of the course, NATS1560 Fall 2023. It is intended to be used for this course only and may be used for
course-appropriate purposes only. No part of it may be published or re-posted anywhere in any form. Any violation of these restrictions will be
prosecuted.
______________________________________________________________________________
Part 3: In-Depth Analysis and Reflection
In this section, you will conduct a thorough analysis and provide a more detailed reflection on
your findings about the origin and production of your chosen food item, considering various
aspects such as soil, region, climate, processing methods, shipping logistics, and labor
conditions on the farms. Your reflective essay should include the following information:
FIRST PARAGRAPH – INTRODUCTION:
•
•
Introduction: Begin your reflective essay with an engaging introduction that introduces
the reader to your chosen food item, the purpose of your assignment, and a brief
overview of the key elements you explored during your research.
Research Process: Describe how you initially selected your food items and why they
piqued your interest. Explain your motivations, expectations, and any preconceptions
you had about where your food came from.
SECOND PARAGRAPH – RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS:
•
•
In-Depth Research: Detail the various aspects you investigated, including soil quality,
region-specific details, climate, processing methods, shipping logistics, and labor
conditions on the farms. Discuss your methodology and the sources you used for your
research.
Insights and Discoveries: Share the key findings that stood out to you during your
research. Discuss any surprises, challenges, or “aha” moments you experienced along
the way. Highlight the interconnectedness of the different elements of the food’s
journey.
THIRD PARAGRAPH – IMPACTS:
NOTE 5: You may choose one of these areas to speak to in depth, or speak to all three, in your
impacts paragraph.
•
•
Environmental Impact: Reflect on the environmental impact of the food production
process. Discuss how soil health, climate, and processing methods contribute to the
overall environmental footprint of your food item. Consider how sustainable practices
can mitigate these effects.
Socio-Economic Impact: Analyze the socio-economic factors at play in the production
and distribution of your food item. Consider the impact on local communities, labour
conditions, and the broader implications for society. Discuss ethical considerations and
the role of fair trade.
5
NATS1560
UNDERSTANDING FOOD
FALL 2023
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright notice: This document is part of the course, NATS1560 Fall 2023. It is intended to be used for this course only and may be used for
course-appropriate purposes only. No part of it may be published or re-posted anywhere in any form. Any violation of these restrictions will be
prosecuted.
______________________________________________________________________________
•
Quality and Health Impact: Reflect on the influence of soil, region, and climate on the
quality and health aspects of your food item. Explain how these factors impact the
nutritional content and taste. Consider how these findings relate to your own dietary
choices and health consciousness.
FOURTH PARAGRAPH – PERSONAL REFLECTIONS:
•
•
Personal Transformation: Describe how this assignment transformed your perspective
on food consumption and the global food system. Discuss any shifts in your beliefs,
values, or behaviors related to food choices, sustainability, and ethical consumption.
Future Considerations: Offer insights into how you might apply the knowledge gained
from this assignment to your future food choices and consider any steps you plan to take
to contribute to a more sustainable and ethical food system.
FIFTH PARAGRAPH – CONCLUSIONS:
•
Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways from your research and personal reflection.
Discuss the broader implications of your findings and how they contribute to a more
comprehensive understanding of the global food system.
Remember to maintain a coherent and organized structure in your reflective essay, using clear
and concise language. While personal reflection is a key element, it’s important to connect your
personal experiences and insights to the broader context of the assignment’s theme – the
journey of your food from its origin to your plate.
All reflection papers should be in a 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial/Calibri/Helvetica)
and double spaced with 1” margins. MLA or APA is acceptable for the citation style but be sure
to pick one and stick with it. Your field journals should be easy to read and follow, and you
should write legibly if you choose to do it by hand.
6
NATS1560
UNDERSTANDING FOOD
______________________________________________________________________________
FALL 2023
Copyright notice: This document is part of the course, NATS1560 Fall 2023. It is intended to be used for this course only and may be used for course-appropriate purposes only. No part of it may be
published or re-posted anywhere in any form. Any violation of these restrictions will be prosecuted.
______________________________________________________________________________
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Excellent
(90-100)
Very Good
(89-80)
Good
(70-79)
Fair
(60-69)
Poor
(50-59)
COMPONENT 1: FIELD JOURNAL (40%)
Documentation
/20
Research Quality
/10
Effort and
Initiative
/10
Exceptional
documentation of
research,
observations, and
reflections. Shows
excellent depth of
understanding.
Thorough
exploration of key
elements in Part 2
above.
Demonstrates an
exceptional
understanding of
the food system in
question.
Demonstrates
exceptional effort,
curiosity, and
tenacity in research
and exploration.
Comprehensive
documentation of
research,
observations, and
reflections. Shows
depth of
understanding.
Good exploration of
key elements in part
2 above with a solid
understanding of the
food system in
question.
Adequate
documentation of
research,
observations, and
reflections, but
may lack depth in
research.
Adequate
exploration of key
elements in part 2
above with some
understanding of
the food system
in question.
Limited
documentation of
of research,
observations, and
reflections. Lacking
depth.
Documentation
very limited, does
not meet minimum
requirements, is
superficial.
Basic exploration of
key elements in
part 2. Lacking
depth in certain
aspects.
Superficial
exploration of key
elements in part 2,
limited
understanding.
Demonstrates a
strong effort and
tenacity in research
and exploration.
Demonstrates an
adequate effort
and initiative in
research and
exploration.
Demonstrates
some effort but
lacks initiative in
research and
exploration.
Minimal effort and
initiative in
research and
exploration.
7
NATS1560
UNDERSTANDING FOOD
______________________________________________________________________________
FALL 2023
Copyright notice: This document is part of the course, NATS1560 Fall 2023. It is intended to be used for this course only and may be used for course-appropriate purposes only. No part of it may be
published or re-posted anywhere in any form. Any violation of these restrictions will be prosecuted.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excellent
(90-100)
Insights and
Discovery:
/10
Exceptional highlighting of key
findings and insights. Clear
explanation of interconnected
elements.
Impacts:
/10
Addresses at least one impact
area (environmental, socioeconomic, and quality/health)
with depth and clarity.
Personal
Transformation
and Future
Considerations:
/10
Clearly describes the impact on
the student’s perspective and
values, with insightful
reflections. Effectively outlines
how knowledge will be applied
to future food choices.
Demonstrates clear and concise
language with accurate
grammar throughout.
Grammar and
Clarity:
/10
In-text and
Citation page:
/10
Overall:
/10
Proper and consistent use of
citations throughout the
assignment, following a
recognized citation style (e.g.,
APA, MLA).
Proficiently summarizes
research findings and provides
thoughtful personal reflections.
Maintains a clear structure
within the specified word limit.
Very Good
Good
(89-80)
(70-79)
Component 2: Reflection Essay (60%)
Good highlighting of
Adequate highlighting of
findings and insights.
findings and insights and
Adequate explanation of
interconnected elements.
interconnected elements.
Fair
(60-69)
Poor
(50-59)
Limited highlighting of
findings and insights.
Weak explanation of
interconnected
elements.
Addresses one impact
area without depth or
clarity.
Minimal highlighting of
findings and insights.
Lacks explanation of
interconnected
elements.
Minimal or no
discussion of impacts.
Addresses at least one
impact area
(environmental, socioeconomic, and
quality/health) effectively.
Describes the impact with
some reflections. Outlines
future considerations with
clarity.
Addresses impact areas
but lacks depth or clarity.
Describes the impact but
lacks depth in reflections.
Outlines future
considerations but lacks
clarity.
Describes the impact
but lacks depth, does
not address future
considerations (or vice
versa).
Minimal or no
description of personal
transformations.
Minimal or no future
considerations.
Demonstrates clear and
concise language with
mostly accurate grammar
throughout.
Generally proper use of
citations with occasional
errors or inconsistencies
Generally clear and
concise, with some
grammar issues.
Some language issues
affect clarity.
Numerous language
issues that hinder
clarity.
Citations are present but
inconsistent, with several
errors.
Limited use of
citations, with frequent
errors
Minimal or no use of
citations.
Good summary of research
findings and provides
thoughtful reflections.
Maintains clear structure
within the specified word
limit.
Adequately summarizes
findings and offers some
personal reflections.
Structure may be
somewhat unclear or
exceed word limit.
Limited summary and
personal reflection.
Structure is unclear or
significantly exceeds
word limit.
Minimal summary or
personal reflection.
Structure is unclear or
absent.
8