How ultra-processed food took over your shopping basket

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Source: The Guardian

Lesson Objective:

Students will be able to:

• Define ultra-processed food
• Identify ultra-processed foods in their own diets
• Explain the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods
• Make informed choices about the foods they eat

Materials:

• Article “How ultra-processed food took over your shopping basket | Food | The Guardian”
• Podcast of the article https://annmichaelsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/09-44494-gdn.alr_.170523.NA_.archive_BEE_WILSON_FOOD.mp3?_=1
• Handouts on the health risks of ultra-processed foods (optional)

Procedure:

1. Begin by asking students what they know about ultra-processed foods.
2. Read the article aloud to the class.
3. As you read, stop to discuss the following questions:
   • What are ultra-processed foods?
   • How are ultra-processed foods made?
   • What are the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods?
4. After reading the article, have students identify ultra-processed foods in their own diets.
5. Discuss the following questions:
   • How often do you eat ultra-processed foods?
   • What are some of the reasons you choose to eat ultra-processed foods?
   • What are some of the challenges you face in reducing your intake of ultra-processed foods?
6. Use this handout on the health risks of ultra-processed foods, distribute them to students and discuss the information.
7. To conclude the lesson, have students make a plan to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods.

Assessment:

• Observe students as they participate in the discussion and activities.
• Collect students’ plans to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods.

Differentiation:

• For students who need more support, provide them with a list of ultra-processed foods and ask them to identify them in the grocery store.
• For students who are ready for a challenge, have them research the marketing strategies used by the food industry to promote ultra-processed foods.

Extension:

• Have students create a poster or presentation about the health risks of ultra-processed foods.
• Have students write a letter to their elected officials urging them to support policies that will reduce the availability of ultra-processed foods.