Every day, we make choices about what to eat based on our health and what we like and can afford. As global citizens who care about the good of all, we can also be aware of making food choices based on our impact on an interconnected system. This lesson helps young people balance how to use their money to make a difference.
- Research public or social issues related to the common good. Form an opinion and develop and present a persuasive argument using communication tools.
- Analyze and synthesize information to differentiate fact from opinion, evaluating the effects of individual actions on other people.
- Identify and describe the actions of how citizens act for the common good.
- Describe the responsibility we have to act in the civil society sector to improve the common good.
- Discuss the concept of corporate citizenship and corporate responsibility for the common good.
- sample of a chocolate bar with "fair trade" printed on the packaging (keethe p price on it, if possible)
- printouts of handouts - Vocabulary and Food Research
- CNN video about child labor and chocolate
WE Bake for Change campaign "Understanding Ethical Consumerism"
Anticipatory Set
Show the label of a bar of fairtrade chocolate. Observe together the origin of the chocolate, the descriptions, and the price. Talk about what fairtrade means. This website has some background.
Discuss: "If you know that your favorite chocolate company buys chocolate from places that hire children, pay workers about $1 a day, or use practices that harm the environment, should you still buy the chocolate? Why or why not?"
We can make a difference for fairness and care of the earth by spending our money responsibly. We may choose food that was grown by local farmers so transportation and packaging are minimal. We may seek out food manufacturers that pay employees a fair wage and have good working conditions. We may be looking at whether growing methods and practices are good for the environment. Sometimes the responsible choices cost more money.
Watch this brief video about Living Philanthropically with Our Treasure. Discuss the pros and cons of making careful choices with our money as a way to make a difference. This page has questions to guide the discussion.
See the Food Research handout below. Since it is helpful to understand the facts about where our food comes from, this activity gives participants tools to research the origins and journeys of different foods. They work in small groups to research one food and then share the facts they learn and discuss how to make responsible choices.
Tell them to keep track of their sources and discuss how to identify a reputable source.
When groups have completely answered their questions, allow time for each small group to share what they learned with the whole group.
Some things to watch for and discuss: child labor, fair wages, safe working conditions, pollution and chemicals.
Discuss whether the reading and discussion of today affect how they plan to make buying choices in the future.
Every day, we make choices about what to eat based on our health and what we like and can afford. As global citizens who care about the good of all, we can also be aware of making food choices based on our impact on an interconnected system. We may choose food that was grown by local farmers so transportation and packaging are minimal. We may seek out food manufacturers that pay employees a fair wage and have good working conditions. We may be looking at whether growing methods and practices are good for the environment. Sometimes the responsible choices cost more money. How can we use our money to make a difference?