20
Part 1 The Importance of Food
A number of organizations are working to deal with world hunger. These organiza-
tions want to make an adequate supply of safe and nutritious food available to every
person on earth. However, the hunger problem is widespread and complex. Many
factors affect the degree to which hunger-relief organizations can meet their goals.
Technology
Technology affects every aspect of the food supply, from the farm to the table.
Technology is the use of knowledge to develop improved methods for doing tasks.
Researchers are using technology to help farmers produce more food in less space
and in less time. Food manufacturers use technology to develop new products that
meet consumer demands. These uses of technology affect your options when buying
foods. You also use technology when you prepare many foods. For instance, your
refrigerator and microwave oven help you keep foods fresh and cook them quickly. This
would not be possible without technology.
Nutrient Content
Food technologists are using their expertise to affect the nutrient content of the
food supply. They are developing foods that have less of some components and more
of others. Food scientists are formulating processed foods to contain less sugar and fat
than foods of the past. They are also working to develop crops that are more nutrient
rich. Technology is being used to grow grains that are higher in protein. Fruits and
vegetables are also being altered. Researchers are fi nding ways to increase the vitamin
and mineral content of these foods.
Availability
Throughout the world, most of the land that can sustain crops is already being
farmed. Researchers are studying ways to increase the amount of crops a given piece
of land can produce. They are concerned with fi nding ways to feed the growing number
of people on earth. They are also worried about placing added strain on earth’s limited
resources.
Food technologists are working to grow plants that can resist diseases and pests
that destroy crops in the fi eld. They are studying plants that grow larger and faster so
more food can be produced in less time. Technologists are also raising plants that can
grow in less suitable soil and weather conditions.
Growing healthy plants is only part of the picture when it comes to ensuring the
availability of food. Large amounts of crops spoil after being harvested. Researchers
are studying ways to destroy the organisms that cause this spoilage. They are also
trying to develop plants that are more resistant to these organisms. All these efforts will
help increase the food supply to better meet future needs.
Safety
The safety of the food supply is another issue that has drawn the interest of
food technologists. Each year, millions of people get sick from something they ate.
Researchers are trying to develop foods that are less likely to spread disease. They are
working to improve packaging so foods will stay safer longer. They are also developing
new ways to preserve foods. See 1-7.