Purchasing, Processing, Preserving and Safety – JSS2 Home Economics Lesson Note (Third Term)

Food purchasing is the buying of foodstuff so that family members have food available at all times or when needed. Wise buyers consider family size, nutritional needs, money available and storage facilities. Foods are either perishable, which spoil easily and need cold storage, or non-perishable, which keep for a long time in dry, covered containers.

Sub-topic: Perishable and non-perishable foods

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain the meaning of food purchasing;
• state the factors to consider when buying foods;
• list wise buying practices;
• state the importance of buying good quality foodstuffs;
• give examples of perishable and non-perishable foods and state how to store each type.

What is food purchasing?

Food purchasing is the process of buying foodstuff for the consumption of family members, so that it is readily available at all times or when needed.

What factors should you consider when buying foods?

• Size of the family
• Nutritional needs of family members, likes and dislikes
• Food preservation and storage facilities available to the family
• Quality of food
• Food in season
• Money available
• Buy non-perishable foods in bulk and store them properly.
• Purchase vegetables and fruits as and when needed, if possible.
• Buy where foodstuff is best and cheapest.
• Avoid waste by purchasing just the foods the family will eat.

What are wise buying practices?

• Make a good shopping list.
• Keep to the shopping list when buying.
• Ensure that there are adequate storage facilities for the foodstuff to be purchased.
• Buy foods that are in season.
• Judge the quality of food before buying.
• Judge the value of food before buying.
• Check the measurement, for example cups and scales, when buying foods such as grains, pulses and gari.
• Read labels on food containers such as canned foods, bottled fats and oils. Check for expiry dates, NAFDAC number, weight, volume, food content and so on.
• Make bulk purchases whenever possible.
• Compare values and prices in different stores.

Why is it important to buy good quality foodstuffs?

• Good quality foodstuffs are fresh and wholesome.
• Their nutrient content is still intact.
• They keep well in storage.
• They are not yet attacked by food spoilage organisms.
• They are appetising and taste good.
• They are economical because there is little or no wastage, since they are still fresh.
• They have a good appearance, for example fresh fruits.

What are perishable foods?

Perishable foods are those foods that can spoil easily. Examples are fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, milk and butter.

Hints on storage of perishable foods

• Fresh meat and fish can be stored in the freezer.
• Fruits and vegetables can be stored at the lowest part of the refrigerator.
• Prolonged storage of fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator can cause some of them to lose their taste, colour and nutritive value.

What are non-perishable foods?

Non-perishable foods are those foods that do not spoil easily. They can be kept for a long time if stored properly. Examples include rice, maize, different types of beans, flour, sugar, yam and dried maize. These foods can be bought in bulk and stored outside the refrigerator.

Hints on storage of non-perishable foods

• Store only foods that are free from weevils and other insects.
• Store food in dry and well-covered containers.
• Foods such as beans, maize and soya beans can be stored for very long periods in air-tight plastic containers.

Evaluation

1. State three points to consider when storing non-perishable foods.
2. State the factors to consider when buying foods.
3. Outline five wise buying practices and five reasons for buying good quality foods.

Assignment

1. List five examples of perishable foods and five examples of non-perishable foods.
2. State two hints on storing each group of foods.