Food should be a fundamental educational subject.
All technologists know that products and systems must meet human needs if they are to be successful.
Maslow's five levels of need recognise that humans require much more from life than merely the fundamentals of existence. The types of need he identified are in descending order of priority. The first need must be satisfied before much energy can be devoted to the next.
| Physiological needs. | Hunger & thirst. |
| Safety needs. | Shelter from the environment and free from attack. |
| Belonging and loving needs. | Affection, friendship and belonging to a group. |
| Esteem needs. | Self respect, self confidence. |
| Need for self-actualization. | Fulfilment, creativity and self-expression. |
Man's first need is for FOOD! It requires skills, knowledge and educated senses of taste and smell. All these have to be learnt by some means and Schools are an obvious medium.
Technological advances of pre-made meals and fast foods have removed the skills and dulled the senses, depriving many from the benefits and joys of food.
The poor tend to consume more convenience foods at a higher cost to themselves. This must be detrimental to society and must be creating a timebomb for the health of our country.
Source:- "Maslow's five levels of need" Page 4,. Advanced Design & Technology by Norman, Riley, Urry & Whittaker.
Longman 1992
(A very interesting book for teacher reference containing detailed information. Goes beyond A level)