Chapter 12Chapter 12The Smart ConsumerThe Smart Consumer

Part 2Part 2

The Management of FoodThe Management of Food

ObjectiveObjective

• Evaluate store features to decide where to shop for food.

USDA

Types of StoresTypes of Stores

• Supermarkets• Discount supermarkets• Twenty-four hour

convenience stores• Specialty stores• Outlet stores• Food co-ops• Farmers’ markets• Roadside stands

USDA

Store FeaturesStore Features

• Customer services• Cleanliness• Convenience• Courteous, helpful

employees• Variety• Prices• Fresh dairy, meat,

and produce

Which of these store features is most important to you? USDA

Electronic ShoppingElectronic Shopping

Some consumers opt to shop for groceries online. They usually pay subscription fees, delivery charges, and a percentage of their total bills for this service. However, they feel it is worthwhile to avoid the time and effort required to shop in a food store.

ObjectiveObjective

• Identify factors that affect food costs and comparison shop to decide what foods to buy.

Using a Shopping ListUsing a Shopping List

• List items as you run out of them at home.

• List items needed to make selected recipes.

• Check staple supplies and add those that are running low.

• Add advertised specials that meet your needs.• Organize list in categories that match store layout.• Stick to your list when shopping.

USDA

Factors That Affect Food Factors That Affect Food CostsCosts

• Promotions• Grades• Brands• Packaging USDA

Using Unit PricingUsing Unit Pricing

Unit pricing is a listing of a product’s cost per standard unit, weight, or measure. It is a helpful resource for comparison shoppers who want to compare the cost of different forms of products quickly and easily. When comparing products, why should you not

assume the product with the lower price is the better buy?

Organic FoodsOrganic Foods

Organic foods are foods produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or growth stimulants. Foods labeled organic must meet standards set by the USDA. Organic production methods often cause organic foods to cost quite a bit more than nonorganic products. USDA

Shopping TipsShopping Tips

• Read labels.• Compare brands and

prices.• Take advantage of

specials.• Avoid impulse purchases.• Avoid crowded stores.• Do not shop when you

are hungry.• Shop alone.

USDA

ObjectiveObjective

• Use information on food product labels to make informed decisions about the foods you buy.

Nutrition LabelingNutrition Labeling

Nutrition labeling includes the following information:

• serving size• servings per container• calorie information• nutrients• percent Daily Values

What information on the Nutrition Facts panel interests you most?

Open DatingOpen Dating

Open dating is a system of putting dates on perishable and semiperishable foods to help consumers obtain products that are fresh and wholesome. Manufacturers use four types of dates.

Pack date – day food was packaged Pull or sell date – last day a food should be sold Expiration date – last day a food should be used Freshness date – last day food is at peak quality

Apply It!Apply It!

On September 10, you shop for cheese slices, which you use only occasionally. King brand has a pull date of NOV 5 and provides 340 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, and 8% vitamin A. Best brand has a pull date of SEPT 29 and provides 280 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, and 6% vitamin A. Other nutrients and the price are the same for both products.

Use label information to decide which you will buy.

ObjectiveObjective

• List sources of consumer information.

Help with Consumer ProblemsHelp with Consumer Problems

Sources of help for problems with food products include• food stores• product manufacturers• Food Safety and

Inspection Service (FSIS)• Food and Drug

Administration (FDA)• government health

departments• Better Business Bureaus

(BBBs) USDA

Key QuestionKey Question

How can you use consumer resources to make wiser decisions when you shop for foods?

Other Questions to ConsiderOther Questions to Consider

• What are some trends in supermarkets today?• What are food additives and why are they in

foods?• What is a universal product code and what is its

function?