how to start an essay about food

Essays About Food: Top 5 Examples and 6 Writing Prompts

Food is one of the greatest joys of life; it is both necessary to live and able to lift our spirits. If you are writing essays about food, read our guide.

Many people live and die by food. While its primary purpose is to provide us with the necessary nutrients to carry out bodily functions, the satisfaction food can give a person is beyond compare. For people of many occupations, such as chefs, waiters, bakers, and food critics, food has become a way of life.

Why do so many people enjoy food? It can provide us with the sensory pleasure we need to escape from the trials of daily life. From the moist tenderness of a good-quality steak to the sweet, rich decadence of a hot fudge sundae, food is truly magical. Instead of eating to stay alive, many even joke that they “live to eat.” In good food, every bite is like heaven.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. food essay by evelin tapia, 2. why japanese home cooking makes healthy feel effortless by kaki okumura, 3. why i love food by shuge luo.

• 4.  My Favorite Food by Jayasurya Mayilsamy 
• 5. ​​Osteria Francescana: does the world’s best restaurant live up to the hype? by Tanya Gold

6 Prompts for Essays About Food

1. what is your favorite dish, 2. what is your favorite cuisine, 3. is a vegan diet sustainable, 4. the dangers of fast food, 5. a special food memory, 6. the food of your home country.

“Food has so many things in them such as calories and fat. Eating healthy is important for everyone to live a healthy life. You can eat it, but eating it daily is bad for you stay healthy and eat the right foods. Deep fried foods hurt your health in many ways. Eat healthy and exercise to reduce the chances of any health problems.”

In this essay, Tapia writes about deep-fried foods and their effects on people’s health. She says they are high in trans fat, which is detrimental to one’s health. On the other hand, she notes reasons why people still eat foods such as potato chips and french fries, including exercise and simply “making the most of life.” Despite this, Tapia asserts her position that these foods should not be eaten in excess and can lead to a variety of health issues. She encourages people to live healthy lives by enjoying food but not overeating. 

“Because while a goal of many vegetables a day is admirable, in the beginning it’s much more sustainable to start with something as little as two. I learned that with an approach of two-vegetable dishes at a time, I would be a lot more consistent, and over time a large variety would become very natural. In fact, now following that framework and cooking a few simple dishes a day, I often find that it’s almost difficult to not reach at least several kinds of vegetables a day.”

Okumura discusses simple, healthy cooking in the Japanese tradition. While many tend to include as many vegetables as possible in their dishes for “health,” Okumura writes that just a few vegetables are necessary to make healthy but delicious dishes. With the help of Japanese pantry staples like miso and soy sauce, she makes a variety of traditional Japanese side dishes. She shows the wonders of food, even when executed in its simplest form. 

“I make pesto out of kale stems, toast the squash seeds for salad and repurpose my leftovers into brand new dishes. I love cooking because it’s an exercise in play. Cooking is forgiving in improvisation, and it can often surprise you. For example, did you know that adding ginger juice to your fried rice adds a surprisingly refreshing flavor that whets your appetite? Neither did I, until my housemate showed me their experiment.”

In her essay, Luo writes about her love for food and cooking, specifically how she can combine different ingredients from different cuisines to make delicious dishes. She recalls experiences with her native Chinese food and Italian, Singaporean, and Japanese Cuisine. The beauty of food, she says, is the way one can improvise a dish and create something magical. 

4.   My Favorite Food by Jayasurya Mayilsamy 

“There is no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap. My love for Pizza is very high. I am always hungry for pizza, be it any time of the day. Cheese is the secret ingredient of any food it makes any food taste yummy. Nearly any ingredient can be put on pizza. Those diced vegetables, jalapenos, tomato sauce, cheese and mushrooms make me eat more and more like a unique work of art.”

Mayilsamy writes about pizza, a food he can’t get enough of, and why he enjoys it as much as he does. He explains the different elements of a good pizza, such as cheese, tomato sauce, other toppings, and the crust. He also briefly discusses the different types of pizzas, such as thin crust and deep dish. Finally, he gives readers an excellent description of a mouthwatering pizza, reminding them of the feeling of eating their favorite food. 

5. ​​ Osteria Francescana: does the world’s best restaurant live up to the hype? by Tanya Gold

“After three hours, I am exhausted from eating Bottura’s dreams, and perhaps that is the point. If some of it is delicious, it is also consuming. That is the shadow cast by the award in the hallway, next to the one of a man strangled by food. I do not know if this is the best restaurant on Earth, or even if such a claim is possible. I suspect such lists are designed largely for marketing purposes: when else does Restaurant magazine, which runs the competition, get global coverage for itself and its sponsors?”

Gold reviews the dishes at Osteria Francescana, which is regarded by many as the #1 restaurant in the world. She describes the calm, formal ambiance and the polished interiors of the restaurants. Most importantly, she goes course by course, describing each dish in detail, from risotto inspired by the lake to parmesan cheese in different textures and temperatures. Gold concludes that while a good experience, a meal at the restaurant is time-consuming, and her experience is inconclusive as to whether or not this is the best restaurant in the world. 

Everyone has a favorite food; in your essay, write about a dish you enjoy. You can discuss the recipe’s history by researching where it comes from, the famous chefs who created it, or which restaurants specialize in this dish. Provide your readers with an ingredients list, and describe how each ingredient is used in the recipe. Conclude your essay with a review of your experience recreating this recipe at home, discuss how challenging the recipe is, and if you enjoyed the experience.

Aside from a favorite dish, everyone prefers one type of cuisine. Discuss your favorite cuisine and give examples of typical dishes, preparations for food, and factors that influence your chosen cuisine. For example, you could choose Italian cuisine and discuss pasta, pizza, gelato, and other famous food items typically associated with Italian food.

Many people choose to adopt a vegan diet that consists of only plant-based food. For your essay, you can discuss this diet and explain why some people choose it. Then, research the sustainability of a plant-based diet and if a person can maintain a vegan diet while remaining healthy and energized. Provide as much evidence as possible by conducting interviews, referencing online sources, and including survey data. 

Fast food is a staple part of diets worldwide; children are often raised on salty bites of chicken, fries, and burgers. However, it has been linked to many health complications, including cancer and obesity . Research the dangers of fast food, describe each in your essay, and give examples of how it can affect you mentally and physically. 

Is there a memory involving food that you treasure? Perhaps it could be a holiday celebration, a birthday, or a regular day when went to a restaurant. Reflect on this memory, retelling your story in detail, and describe the meal you ate and why you remember it so fondly.

Every country has a rich culture, a big component of which is food. Research the history of food in your native country, writing about common native dishes and ingredients used in cooking. If there are religious influences on your country’s cuisine, note them as well. Share a few of these recipes in your essay for an engaging piece of writing.

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

For help picking your next essay topic, check out the best essay topics about social media .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay About Food

Delicious Descriptions: A Guide to Writing a Descriptive Essay About Food

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Writing about food can be a delectable experience. Whether it’s discussing the taste, texture, smell, or presentation of something delicious, descriptive writing about food is an art form.

But how can you describe food in a way that engages the reader and makes them hungry for more? With some tips, your writing can be mouth-watering and make readers want to try out whatever you are describing.

In this guide, you will get tips to write an essay that will tantalize the taste buds of your readers. You will also get to read essay samples that will help you write your essay.

So let's jump right in!

• 1. Descriptive Essay - A Quick Overview 
• 2. Tips for Writing a Descriptive Essay About Food
• 3. Descriptive Essay About Food Examples
• 4. Descriptive Essay About Food Topics

Descriptive Essay - A Quick Overview 

A descriptive essay focuses on describing the characteristics, features, and appearance of a person, place, or object. This type of writing is often used in essays, articles, and other types of written work.

Descriptive writing requires strong sensory detail and vivid description to create a full picture of the subject matter. It is important to use descriptive language that evokes emotion, imagery, and imagination. 

When writing about food, descriptive language can help readers feel as if they are actually tasting the food.

Watch the following video to learn more about descriptive essay:

Tips for Writing a Descriptive Essay About Food

Are you wondering how to write a descriptive essay about food? We've got the answer for you!

Here are some tips to help you create a stunning descriptive essay about food that will make readers savor every word: 

Tip 1: Choose An Interesting and Appetizing Topic

Make sure your topic is something that people can relate to. For instance, you can write an essay on your favorite food, or describe different kinds of foods.

You can also write about a cultural food experience or discuss an unusual ingredient. Whatever topic you choose, try to make it interesting and engaging. 

Tip 2: Use Vivid Language

When writing a descriptive essay on food, use adjectives, metaphors, and similes to make the description come alive. Try describing the texture, smell, flavor, and presentation of the food in detail.

It's also important to incorporate sensory words like “tangy”, “savory” or “sweet.” Use descriptive language to evoke the senses to create an image that readers can visualize and relish.

Tip 3: Include Personal Anecdotes

If you have an interesting anecdote or experience related to your topic, include it in your essay. Readers will be more engaged if they can connect to your narrative.

Including a personal story in your essay can make it more engaging and memorable. Talk about how the food made you feel, why it was special to you, or any sensory experiences associated with it.

Tip 4: Do Some Research

Doing some research about your topic can help you create a well-rounded essay. Look up recipes, food facts, and regional influences to add more detail and depth to your writing.

Research can also help you understand the history behind certain dishes, ingredients, and cultures. This will provide interesting facts for readers that they may have not known about before.

Tip 5: Structure Your Essay

Make sure to organize your essay in a way that makes sense and flows smoothly. You can use a descriptive essay outline for this. Set up the introduction by introducing the topic and explaining why it’s important or interesting.

Then, move into the body of the essay, which should include vivid descriptions of all aspects of food. Finish with a conclusion that ties everything together.

Tip 6: Be Precise and Concise

When writing a descriptive essay about food, it’s important to be as precise and concise as possible. Choose your words carefully and eliminate any unnecessary details that could distract from the main idea.

Also, make sure all of your sentences flow together smoothly to create an effective piece of writing.

Now that you know how to write a descriptive essay about food, let's look at some example essays. Reading examples that effectively use these tips will help you use them in your own essay. 

So read on!

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Descriptive Essay About Food Examples

Check out the following food essay samples. These examples will serve as models for crafting your own amazing essay.

Descriptive Writing About Favorite Food

Descriptive Essay About Fast Food

Descriptive Writing About Food

Descriptive Essay About Food Festival

Descriptive Essay on My Best Food

Descriptive Essay About Chinese Food

Descriptive Essay On Food Street

Descriptive Writing About A Food Court

Descriptive Writing About Junk Food

Short Essay On Food

My Favourite Food Essay 250 Words

You should also read othe r descriptive essay examples i f you want to master descriptive essays.

Descriptive Essay About Food Topics

Here are a few topic ideas that will help you get started.

• The Perfect Pizza Slice: Describe the ideal pizza slice, including its toppings, crust, and the experience of savoring it.
• A Gourmet Burger Experience: Write about a gourmet burger you've enjoyed, detailing its ingredients, flavors, and the ambiance of the restaurant.
• Exploring Street Food: Describe the sensory overload of a bustling street food market, highlighting the various cuisines and vendors.
• The Art of Sushi Making: Take your readers on a journey into the world of sushi, explaining the ingredients and the skills required to create this delicacy.
• A Homemade Family Recipe: Share a cherished family recipe and recount the memories associated with it.
• A Chocolate Lover's Paradise: Describe a visit to a chocolate factory or shop, focusing on the range of chocolates and the experience of tasting them.
• The Allure of Fine Dining: Write about a fine dining experience, elaborating on the ambiance, service, and the culinary creations that make it special.
• An Exotic Fruit Adventure: Detail your encounter with an exotic fruit, highlighting its appearance, taste, and any cultural significance.
• The Charm of a Picnic: Describe a picnic in a scenic location, discussing the food, surroundings, and the joy of outdoor dining.
• A Culinary Trip Abroad: Share your experience of trying local dishes during your travels, explaining the unique flavors and cultural context.

Try writing your essay on one of these topics or think of a topic by yourself. 

You can also check out other descriptive essay topics to get inspiration.

Wrapping it up,

Writing a descriptive essay about food can be both enjoyable and challenging. With these tips, you can write a delicious and compelling descriptive essay on food that will make readers hungry for more. So grab a pen and paper and get writing! 

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At MyPerfectWords.com, we provide a specialized descriptive essay writing service . So if you want a unique and well-crafted essay, our expert essay writer is here to help.

Our reliable essay writing service provides 100% original essays written from scratch with free revisions.  All our essays are guaranteed to be plagiarism-free and delivered right on time.

So hire our descriptive essay writer now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a descriptive essay about food.

Start your essay with a hook, which can be an interesting quote or anecdote about the topic. Afterward, start by introducing the topic and explaining why it’s important or interesting.

How would you describe the appearance of food?

You can describe the food’s appearance by including vivid adjectives and phrases. For instance, you can describe the texture of food as “crispy”, “crumbly”, or “smooth”. You can also include words like “juicy” and “succulent” to describe the flavor of food.

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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• Writing Tips

5 Tips on How to Write About Food

3-minute read

• 28th January 2020

Like food? Like writing? Then why not combine the two! Food and drink blogging is bigger than ever. Shops are full of recipe books. And you can even make a living as a restaurant critic if you’re good! But how do you get started? Our top five tips on how to write about food include:

• Think about what kind of food writing your want to do
• Find a unique angle or niche that you want to write about
• Learn to write descriptively and use sensual language
• Avoid overusing generic terms like “delicious” or “tasty”
• Get someone to proofread your food writing to make it professional

Read on below for more information on how to write about food!

1. Types of Food Writing

Possibly the two most common types of food writing are:

• Reviews and criticism of food and places that serve food
• Recipe books, blogs, and columns

But food writing can include many things! Some people write about the history of food and drink . Other mix food writing and autobiography . Or you can write about the food industry from a business perspective.

A good first step, then, is to read as much food writing as possible! This should give you a sense of the different styles and genres that already exist.

2. Find a Food Niche

Since “food writing” is such a broad category, it can help to find a niche. For example, new food writers often focus on one of the following:

• Local food establishments and suppliers in your area
• A specific style of cuisine or type of food they know well
• Writing about food for a specific audience (e.g., cooking on a budget)
• A novel angle or gimmick for writing about food (e.g., tasting weird foods )

Finding a food niche can also work as a “hook” for new readers. Think about what kind of food you love most and how you can make it interesting.

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3. Sensual Language

Whether describing a recipe or reviewing a meal, descriptive writing is vital. And when it comes to food and drink, this means focusing on language related to the senses , especially how it looks, smells, feels, and tastes.

If you can evoke the sensory experience of eating a meal powerfully in your writing, your readers should be salivating in no time.

4. Avoid Generic Terms

We’ve mentioned using descriptive writing above. But the flip side of this is avoiding boring or generic terms. And in food writing, the worst offenders are words like “tasty” and “delicious,” which are too broad to be useful.

It might seem odd to avoid words like these when writing about food. But “delicious” doesn’t help the reader know what something tasted or smelled like. Instead, look for a description that will fire the reader’s imagination!

5. Have Your Writing Proofread

Finally, don’t forget to proofread! Even if you’re just publishing on a personal blog, error-free writing will be easier to read, look more professional, and attract more readers. And if you plan to submit your writing to a magazine or publisher, you need it to be the best it can be!

Proofreading your own writing is never simple, though. So to be sure your work is error free, give our world-beating proofreading services a try.

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Jan 25, 2023

5 Intriguing Essays about Food: Examples, Ideas, and More!

Food is easily one of the best things to enjoy in life with all the different cuisines and dishes out there. if you want inspiration to create a food essay, read on.

Food, the fundamental sustenance of life, is as diverse and intricate as the cultures from which it originates. Beyond its primary role of nourishing our bodies, it plays a pivotal part in our everyday lives, weaving a rich tapestry of flavors, aromas, and experiences. From the rich decadence of Italian pastas to the aromatic allure of Indian curries, the sizzle of street foods, and the comforting warmth of Chinese noodles, our world is brimming with culinary wonders waiting to be savored.

Exploring the vast universe of food through essays offers a tantalizing journey of discovery. Whether you're diving into the history of a particular dish, the socio-cultural importance of a cuisine, or simply recounting a memorable meal, there's no shortage of angles and stories to tell. If ever you're seeking inspiration or a starting point, online essay assistance tools can be a treasure trove of ideas to get the words flowing.

Here are our Top 5 Essay Examples and Ideas about Food: 

1. Importance of Food in Nutrition Essay

Introduction

Food plays a major part in human existence and health. It provides us humans with the energy we need to survive and grow. Consuming a balanced diet every day is a fantastic way to live a healthy life.

To function properly, we also have to make sure that our human body is correctly consuming and absorbing enough nutrients and minerals. For example, if a person does not eat enough protein or drink enough water, this will affect how a person's body functions and they will begin to show symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and loss of muscle mass.

Hence, having a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. Junk foods might taste great and addictive, but it provides little to no nutritional value for your well-being.

A balanced diet consists of various food items such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk products and protein-rich foods. Thus, we need to strike a balance between different types of foods to maintain a healthy body and mind.

Nutrition and Physical Health

Our bodies are made up of different properties that work together to keep us alive and well. Nutrition and physical health work hand-in-hand to ensure that the different systems of the human body work properly and keep us functioning optimally. Without proper nutrition and proper physical fitness, our bodies will not be able to function properly.

A healthy diet ensures overall well-being that can protect against many different types of diseases as well.

1st Study on Nutrition and Physical Health

In a study about Nutrition and Physical Health, research shows that proper nutrition combined with physical activity modulates health longevity by improving a person's body composition, bone strength and density, and cognitive performance, as well as reducing the risk of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

2nd Study on Nutrition and Physical Health

Proper exercise and nutrition are essential to a healthy body. Another study shows that students who exercise regularly and eat healthily tend to have higher grades (GPA) in class due to cognitive clarity and well-being than students who don't exercise regularly and eat junk foods. The study also showed that students who live a healthy lifestyle tend to enjoy better physical and mental health compared to those who don't.

Nutrition and Mental Health

Believe it or not, nutrition also plays a huge part in our mental health. In recent years, studies have shown that eating an unhealthy diet can be one of the leading factors for poor mental health.

A good example of this is consuming diets that contain a lot of refined sugars, carbohydrates, and processed foods can lead to fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

1st study on Nutrition and Mental health

A study was conducted on a group of patients, Group A was the group of people who had a healthy diet consisting of high-protein foods, fruits, vegetables, and fibrous food. Group B was the group that had an unhealthy diet like fast food, processed food and soft drinks.

In this study, Groups A and B were evaluated for their mental health and brain functions through an MRI scan. The result proves that people in Group A had much more mental clarity and concentration as opposed to the people in Group B. This study shows that a healthy diet is essential to keep a healthy mind.

2nd Study on Nutrition and Mental Health

Another research conducted by a team of Australian Scientists found that a poor diet that consists of artificial sweeteners and refined carbohydrates causes brain inflammation that can lead to permanent brain damage. In later stages of life, this can lead to conditions like Dementia, Alzheimer's, or even Depression.

This research by those Australian Scientists shows that a lot of long-term brain malfunctions and diseases can be prevented by just having a healthy diet filled with high nutritional value like protein-rich foods, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables.

Having a healthy diet is essential to humans because it not only improves your physical health, but Science has backed up that it can also improve your mental health. In our daily life, we tend to neglect our bodies and eat unhealthy foods without knowing the impact they will have on our mental and physical health. So it might be a good idea to eat more nutrition-friendly foods and reduce the amount of junk food that we eat daily.

2. Arabic Foods- Every Foodies Delight

"Bread, pita or flat, is an integral part of Arabic food. They are incorporated either on the side or included in some dishes like ‘Fatteh’. Among dairy products, the Arabs are fond of yoghurt made from cow’s or goat’s milk. This is consumed either as a thick condiment or in diluted form as a drink. Meat, mainly lamb or chicken is central to Arabic cuisine. Sometimes fish, other poultry, beef, camel and goat meat are also used; but pork is prohibited for religious reasons.

While fruits such as figs, olives, pomegranates and dates are eaten as a snack between meals, vegetables such as cucumbers, eggplant, okra, spinach and zucchini are included in the diet as raw salads, in the cooked form or as pickles.

Off of the grains, while rice is a staple, wheat is essential for making bread. Arabic food also uses lots of pulses such as fava beans, peanuts and chickpeas which are either eaten whole in salads or a mashed form as in ‘falafel’ or ‘hummus’.

A variety of spices are included in Arabic food preparations that contribute immensely to the fragrance and vibrant colours of the food items. Some typical spices and herbs used are saffron, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, sesame and sumac. A spice mixture called ‘Baharat’ is an indispensable part of this cuisine."

In this essay about Arabic food, the author discusses things like the history and ingredients used in Arabic Cuisine. Things such as Fatteh, Falafel, or Hummus are major parts of the Mediterranean Diet that a lot of people adore. 

3. Why I love Food - Shuge Luo

"I was brought up with this mindset to make the most of all foods, and as a result, I constantly push myself to use food creatively. I make pesto out of kale stems, toast the squash seeds for salad and repurpose my leftovers into brand-new dishes.

I love cooking because it’s a play exercise. Cooking is forgiving in improvisation, and it can often surprise you. For example, did you know that adding ginger juice to your fried rice adds a surprisingly refreshing flavour that whets your appetite? Neither did I, until my housemate showed me their experiment.

There’s one technique I always try to keep in mind when cooking: Create delight through contrast. A cooking anime I watched once dispensed advice that it’s more interesting to the palate to season your foods unevenly rather than uniformly.

I’ve thought about how this principle is reflected in foods I love. For example, imagine the joy of aromatic soup bursting from Shanghai xiao long bao or the dichotomy of textures between cream puff pastry and custard.

Cooking is an improvisational show. It’s creativity, diversity and fusion. But most of all, it’s play. The only rules are the ones you make, and there are always multiple ways to a scrumptious plate."

In this essay about her love for food, The author Shuge talks about her greatest passions which are food and cooking. She also talks about her personal history with different cultures she experienced in the UK, Singapore, the United States, and more. People's relationship with food stems from food innovations from different cultures and cuisines. 

4. The Culture of Italian Food 

"The country is full of flavours, tastes, and the quality of the different regions. Different varieties of food are seen to be eaten in each region because of access and what grows. Due to the climate, the soil, and the ingredients grown in the place, each region has a different blend of ingredients, and the locals would be required to incorporate their traditions into new recipes that combine fresh ingredients to make something delicious. A great variety of herbs and spices are used in all regions of the world, and there is a great deal of fish in the dishes. Typically, Italians cook simple dishes well known to their country, which is important because they're looking to capture the taste and all the flavours of a few quality ingredients to make a great meal.

Food is their passion, as everything becomes simple when they cook. The effort and time to create something beautiful with lots of colours are evident in their cooking. Along with the food being cooked for a short time, a good meal can also be enjoyed for a few hours between breaks when families gather to share their experiences and reconnect with old memories.

Ingredients can be an important part of Italian culture such as olive oil, pasta, and wine. Olive oil was considered a source used to substitute fat from animals or even butter because it was considered healthier than a Mediterranean diet used in sauces, pasta, meat, and seafood. Pasta is considered a separate course usually eaten with just sauce. Considered an important part of the culture which is shared throughout Italy and was influenced by a product brought back by Marco Polo which was soon slowly eaten made out of durum wheat. This food comes in lots of varieties and each region eats pasta in its style where people love to enjoy it slowly because of all the different tastes and flavours combined.

The Italian food culture has always stuck to the true quality of simply using what you got with a few requirements to make a meal. Different cultures' influences on Italian food have made the food eaten very unique with different dishes in each region all using local products to create their traditional meals. These can be shared at festivals or with family to create memories with those who like good food as others."

Italy is a beautiful country with amazing food. In this essay, Italian Cuisines are described to have simplicity with various organic and locally produced ingredients. Rustic, simple, and flavourful are the key elements used in Italian food making it incredibly irresistible and delicious!

 5. Traditional Chinese Cuisine and Its Features

"Chinese cuisine, with a long history, multiple styles and traditions, and unique cooking methods, is integral to the great Chinese culture. The Chinese are very sensitive to food, knowing how to appreciate every cup of rice. Moreover, there is no concept of a light snack here because this shows disrespect for food. Food is a pleasure, and its preparation is a whole philosophy. Traditional Chinese cuisine is famous for a wide variety of dishes, and each province necessarily has its speciality, defending the right to be the best cuisine in the country.

One of the most ancient Chinese dishes is Ma Po Tofu, which has a history of over 100 years. The word Ma means the spicy and tangy flavour in this dish, which comes from pepper powder, one of Sichuan cuisine’s most commonly used ingredients. Tofu is flavoured with the addition of ground beef and finely chopped green onions.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Whether it’s a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, chain restaurant, or fast food stall, every Chinese restaurant has traditional Sweet and Sour Pork on the menu. The main version of the dish, which is a piece of pork with a crispy crust on the outside and juicy pulp on the inside in a sweet and sour sauce, is cooked everywhere. But depending on the region and taste preferences, a variety of ingredients are added to this dish and served with vegetables or a bright aromatic fruit such as pineapple.

Peking Roasted Duck

Speaking of the old recipes of Chinese cuisine, it is difficult not to recall the legendary Peking roasted duck, the recipe for which appeared already during the Ming Empire in the 15th century. A precious part of the Peking duck is its thin and crunchy skin. Duck thinly sliced is usually served with tortillas, sweet bean sauce, or soy with minced garlic.

Fa Gao is a traditional dessert for celebrating the Chinese New Year. At this time, it is customary to prepare Fa Gao, painted in bright colours. One of the features of Fa Gao is its appearance. The top of the cake cracks and opens during the preparation process, resembling a smile or a flower. Thus, colourful cupcakes symbolize blossoming flowers, full of strength and hope for a brighter future."

This expository essay talks about the general characteristics of Chinese food and its importance and influence on Chinese cooking culture. The author also added a bit of a twist by talking about different types of famous Chinese dishes that are most common in Chinese restaurants.

You will never run out of things to talk about when creating essays about food. It can be about nutrition and different cuisines because food and proper nutrition are integral parts of life. It is a universal language that brings us humans closer together regardless of ethnicity or culture.

If you are looking to speed up your essay writing about food, Jenni.ai is an amazing option that can make your life easier. This AI software can easily help you create an essay on any topic in a matter of minutes! You can sign up for free here .

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Writing A Perfect Essay About Favorite Food

Table of Contents

Everyone is concerned with matters of nutrition, so this topic is of importance for absolutely anyone reading it. We present you a manual on food essay writing with an outline and advice for the development (and for a balanced diet).

The basic structure of a ‘my favorite food’ essay

Not all students know the importance of healthy eating and a balanced diet. Avoiding bad nutrition and knowing the nutritional principles is important for our health; it helps to avoid food problems.

In the world of young people, this awareness is sometimes lacking, for this reason, a teacher could give you the assignment to write an argumentative essay about food.

In this article, you will find great tips on how to organize your writing, how to structure your essay, and what sources to quote to get a better grade.

How to draw up a topic?

Before starting your argumentative text on food, make an outlay. This tool will help you identify what to talk about in your nutrition topic.

Read the outline carefully and answer: what aspects of the diet science prompt you to argue?

This question is essential to understand what to write about when writing about the relationship between young people and their favorite/staple food.

Introduction

In the first part of your argumentative text on nutrition, you need to talk about the importance of food for health. What distinguishes a balanced diet from poor nutrition? Introduce the problem by pointing out that it is not right to eat only what you like…

In the second part of your favorite food essay writing, focus on the relationship between young people and food. What influences it? What do kids usually know about nutrition?

You can make real references to the diets you have heard of, and that young people follow. It then illustrates what constitutes a balanced diet and, if the outline requires it, what are the essential nutrients in a diet.

What would be the best outline?

My Favorite Food essay: introduction

Food is not only sustenance, but it is also a great part of our culture. Thanks to the energy and the different nutrients that our body takes through food, we can perform all the actions of our day: not only physical efforts but also mental ones work thanks to the calories we introduce.

This fact is even more important for boys, especially during the more delicate phases of their growth, where their development must be accompanied by special nutrition. It is, therefore, necessary to know what distinguishes a balanced diet from an unbalanced one.

To get a higher rating, you can add other famous quotes related to nutrition in general. For instance, you may quote François de La Rochefoucauld’s famous wit’s oeuvre, “To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”

Essay on my favorite food: the main body

An incorrect diet, in the world of young people, is often linked to the type and quality of the food they eat. Some do not have time to cook, others are not able to, while the rest have to eat out due to force majeure and end up having their meals at fast-food restaurants. It is not wrong to eat only what you want, food should be appreciated, or there would be no taste in eating, the important thing is that your meals are healthy dishes concerning the nutritional principles they bring.

Limiting the concept of healthy to fruit and vegetables, no matter how indispensable, is perhaps the reason why poor nutrition is a widespread problem among young people. Carbohydrates, particularly pasta and rice, are the nutrients that give us the most energy and therefore we need them to play sports and endure the most demanding school days. Finally, the proteins we take with meat or legumes play an indispensable role in the formation of muscles.

Since restaurants are adequately equipped to meet the ethical, physical (allergy) and economic needs of everyone, there should be no excuse of not making changes towards healthier diet plans. In many places today you can eat healthy without sacrificing taste, especially in countries where food has a culture of its own like Italy, France or certain parts of the U.S. like New Orleans. But this is not enough, it is necessary to educate children to have a correct diet to avoid that their relationship with food is balanced. In fact, young people are the most affected by food-related problems because their age is often characterized by difficulties that can turn into eating disorders.

Bonus tips for better grades: If the outline requires it and you have sufficient knowledge on the subject, in light of the considerations made, of how a diet should be set to be correct.

Essay on nutrition: conclusion

The philosopher Feuerbach maintained that “we are what we eat” and in a sense, it is so given that it is scientifically proven that the more balanced a diet is in terms of macro-nutrients the healthier an individual is. Feeding children is no exception to this rule, so it must be explained to them what it means to eat properly. For this reason, it is necessary to pay more attention to the relationship between food and the young.

Even food, in fact, can be a constructive way to expand your educational horizons: learning to cook and propose new recipes to friends, going out to lunch in new places and enjoying typical dishes of different traditions are apparently insignificant experiences, but sometimes able to give flavor to our life especially if shared.

Bonus tips for better grades: A brief mentioning of the relationship between food and culture and how varied it is in the world is what will ensure you a solid A-plus.

Most common mistakes when writing an essay

The 5 classic errors to avoid when writing an essay

• Confuse the subject of an essay with an exercise of pure imagination, free and without constraint.
• Underestimate the difficulty of writing. An essay often seems more pleasant than a dissertation or a commentary of text. But it is far from easy.
• Rush . You have to read the subject two or more times and highlight the key terms.
• Wander off-topic . You have to have a good method to avoid off-topic faux pas. Writing an essay is a methodical and rigorous exercise.
• Breaking the style . To make a good assignment of your essay, one must have a style of writing, vocabulary, and especially good ideas. It’s about writing as if you were a writer. It is not an easy task.

How to avoid mistakes?

How to not…

…sound ungrounded in your essay

Read as much as you can on the subject, and provide evidential backup for everything that you write – save for your conclusions.

…underestimate the difficulty of writing

An essay gives a literary experience of writing, it is, therefore, important to understand, to read, to build, and to interpret.

…take too little time for the assignment

Make sure you collect and organize your ideas before you put them in writing

It is important to stay out of redundancy. Brevity is the soul of wit; focus on summing up the facts relevant for your topic rather than throwing in things that you find easier to write about or those who just are at the top of your mind.

…breach the style

Be wary of the use of colloquial style in your writing, as well as other stylistic errors. The sense of good academic style can be developed as you read works of others. When in doubt, consult a specialist. The professional essay writer will help you improve your writing style and correct your other errors.

Bottom line

The topic of a favorite food can be summed up with one precise quote

“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.”

Without doubt, there are only too many things to say on the topic; your task is to pick the ones that reflect your own philosophy, organize them in a logical way, give valid examples and provide scientific evidence, and draw essential conclusions.

If you have problems at any stage of your writing, reach out for professional help!

Prefer cooking your favorite food over writing the essay about it? Cool! We prefer writing an essay for you. Order your perfect piece and save time for trying out a new recipe!

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How to Describe Good Food in Writing (21 Tips + Examples)

Capturing the essence of a scrumptious meal in words is like painting a beautiful picture with your vocabulary.

Here’s how to describe good food in writing:

Describe good food in writing by using sensory language, highlighting ingredients, emphasizing texture and taste, and evoking emotions. Combine varied adjectives, metaphors, and similes for vivid, enticing descriptions.

Here’s your ultimate guide on how to describe good food in writing.

21 Elements for Describing Good Food in Writing

Table of Contents

We’ll be focusing on several elements that define a remarkable food description:

• Type of Food
• Presentation
• Flavor Spectrum
• Personal Reaction
• Cultural Context
• Memories Evoked
• Synaesthesia
• Pairing Combinations
• Ingredients
• Cooking Method
• Food’s History
• Seasonality
• Visual Appeal
• Temperature
• Emotional Response
• Time of Day

And now, let’s dig into our 21 tips on describing good food, each served with a fresh example.

1. Identify the Type of Food

Before diving into the description, let your reader know what type of food with which you’re dealing.

Is it a dessert, an appetizer, or a main course? Is it a local dish or a foreign delicacy?

Identifying the food provides a context for the reader and sets the stage for the detailed description.

It prepares the reader for what is to come and enhances their understanding of the food’s role in a meal or event.

Example: The Pad Thai, a staple of Thai cuisine, beckoned enticingly from the center of the table, promising a dance of flavors.

2. Highlight the Ingredients

The ingredients of a dish often determine its flavor profile.

Identifying the ingredients in your description allows your reader to imagine the flavors, even if they’ve never tasted the dish.

It also gives the reader an understanding of the food’s complexity and the effort that goes into preparing it.

Listing the ingredients is not just about naming them, but also about describing their attributes.

Example: The sizzling fajitas were a fiesta of bell peppers, onions, and tender chicken strips, all bathed in a zesty lime marinade.

3. Discuss the Texture

Texture plays a huge role in our enjoyment of food.

It can make the difference between a dish we love and a dish we find unpalatable. Describing the texture—whether crunchy, smooth, chewy, or soft—helps the reader imagine how the food feels in the mouth.

It contributes to the overall sensory experience and can evoke powerful reactions.

Example: The artisanal bread was a delight, its crust crackling satisfyingly under the touch, revealing a soft, airy interior.

4. Describe the Flavor Spectrum

Is the food sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami, or a combination of these tastes?

Describing the flavor spectrum gives your reader a more complete picture of what to expect when tasting the food.

It also reveals the complexity of the dish and the skill that went into balancing the flavors. Remember, a good dish often balances several tastes to create a harmonious whole.

Example: The mango salsa was a playful blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice from the jalapenos.

5. Focus on the Presentation

We eat with our eyes first.

The presentation of the dish can stimulate our appetite and increase our anticipation.

By describing the presentation, you allow the reader to visualize the dish, making it more enticing. This can include the arrangement of the food, the dishware, the garnish, and even the colors in the dish.

Example: The sushi rolls were meticulously arranged in a vibrant rainbow, the pink salmon, the creamy avocado, and the stark white rice creating a feast for the eyes.

6. Convey the Aroma

The aroma of food can trigger powerful memories and emotions.

A certain smell can transport us back to our grandmother’s kitchen or a favorite restaurant. Describing the aroma can make your food writing more engaging and relatable.

It’s not just about identifying the smell but about conveying its intensity and its effect on the eater.

Example: The aroma of the slow-roasted coffee was intoxicating, filling the room with a warm, comforting scent that promised a rich, full-bodied brew.

7. Use Sensory Language

Engage all five senses in your description.

Discuss not only how the food looks, tastes, and smells, but also how it sounds and feels.

Sensory language makes your writing more vivid and engaging. It helps your reader to fully experience the food, even if they can’t taste it.

Example: The caramel popcorn was a sensory delight, the loud crunch, the sweet taste, and the buttery aroma all combining to create an irresistible treat.

8. Share the Cooking Process

The cooking process can add depth to your food description.

Discussing how the food is prepared can reveal the time, skill, and effort that goes into the dish.

It can also explain why the food tastes the way it does.

For instance, a slow-cooked stew might have more intense flavors than a quickly stir-fried dish.

Example: The brisket, slow-cooked over hickory wood for hours, was a testament to patience and skill, its smoky, rich flavors a reward for the wait.

9. Talk About the Temperature

The temperature of the food can influence its taste and texture.

Cold food can be refreshing, while hot food can be comforting. By discussing the temperature, you add another layer to your food description.

It also sets expectations for the reader about how the food should be served and enjoyed.

Example: The chilled gazpacho was a refreshing reprieve from the sweltering summer heat, its coolness amplifying the freshness of the vegetables.

10. Discuss Pairings

Food rarely exists in isolation.

It’s usually paired with other food or drinks, which can enhance or balance its taste.

Discussing pairings allows you to explore these interactions and gives the reader suggestions for how to enjoy the food.

Pairings can also reveal cultural traditions or personal preferences.

Example: The spicy Thai curry was perfectly balanced by the sweet, fragrant jasmine rice, the two dishes creating a harmonious duet.

11. Reflect Cultural Significance

Food is a window into a culture.

It reveals traditions, history, and lifestyle. Reflecting the cultural significance of a dish can give your reader a deeper appreciation of the food.

It’s not just about the food itself, but also about the people who prepare and enjoy it.

This can be particularly relevant when describing ethnic or traditional dishes.

Example: The tagine, a centerpiece of Moroccan cuisine, was a vibrant medley of spices, meat, and vegetables, its slow cooking process a reflection of the country’s unhurried pace of life.

12. Use Comparisons

Comparisons can make your food descriptions more relatable.

By comparing the food to something the reader is familiar with, you make it easier for them to imagine the taste, texture, or aroma.

This can be particularly useful when describing unfamiliar or exotic dishes.

You can use similes or metaphors to make effective comparisons.

Example: The durian, often dubbed the ‘king of fruits’, had a unique taste that was a bizarre blend of sweet custard and pungent onions.

13. Tell a Story

A story can make your food description more engaging.

It adds a personal touch and can evoke emotions. The story could be about how the food was prepared, where it was eaten, or who it was shared with.

This narrative approach can make the food more appealing and memorable.

It makes the reader part of the experience, not just a passive observer.

Example: As we sat around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and crafting gooey s’mores, the simple treat became a symbol of friendship and shared experiences.

14. Evoke Emotions

Food is more than just sustenance—it’s tied to emotions.

A certain dish can bring comfort, joy, nostalgia, or even disappointment. By evoking emotions in your food description, you connect with the reader on a deeper level.

This can make your description more powerful and engaging.

Example: The homemade apple pie, with its sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling and flaky crust, brought a wave of nostalgia, transporting me back to my childhood days at grandma’s house.

15. Play with Language

Don’t be afraid to play with language in your food description.

Use varied adjectives, play with sentence structure, and incorporate figurative language. This can make your description more vibrant and engaging.

It allows you to express your unique voice and creativity.

Example: The burger was a tower of temptation, layers of juicy beef, sharp cheddar, and crisp lettuce sandwiched between two fluffy buns, all conspiring to challenge the eater’s self-control.

16. Show, Don’t Tell

Rather than just telling your reader that the food is delicious, show them why it’s delicious.

Describe the ingredients, the flavors, the presentation, the texture.

This is a more engaging and convincing way to express the food’s appeal. It encourages the reader to reach the same conclusion, rather than simply accepting your opinion.

Example: The artisanal chocolate was a revelation, its rich, dark flavor studded with notes of red berries and a hint of vanilla, its texture smooth and velvety.

17. Describe the Intensity

The intensity of flavors, aromas, or textures can significantly influence the eating experience.

Describing this intensity allows the reader to understand how strong or subtle the food’s characteristics are.

It sets expectations and allows the reader to imagine the sensory experience more accurately.

Example: The wasabi packed a powerful punch, its fiery heat unfurling in the mouth and racing up the nose, a sharp reminder of its presence.

18. Discuss the Freshness

Freshness can greatly influence the quality and taste of food.

Discussing the freshness can give the reader a sense of the food’s quality and appeal. It can also give insights into the food’s preparation.

For instance, fresh seafood at a coastal restaurant can speak volumes about the establishment’s sourcing practices.

Example: The salad was a celebration of freshness, the lettuce crisp and vibrant, the tomatoes juicy and ripe, each ingredient seemingly picked at its prime.

19. Use Sound

The sound of food can enhance the eating experience.

Think of the sizzle of a steak, the crack of a crème brûlée, or the crunch of an apple.

Describing these sounds can make your food writing more dynamic and immersive. It engages another sense and adds depth to the description.

Example: The crackling pork belly lived up to its name, each bite producing a satisfying crunch, an audible testament to its perfectly roasted skin.

20. Touch Upon the Aftertaste

The aftertaste is the flavor that remains in the mouth after swallowing the food.

It can be a subtle echo of the initial taste or a surprise twist.

Describing the aftertaste can add a final note to your food description, leaving the reader with a lasting impression of the dish.

Example: The dark chocolate left a lingering aftertaste, its initial sweetness mellowing into a complex, slightly bitter note that begged for another bite.

21. Evoke the Setting

The setting where the food is enjoyed can influence the eating experience.

Describing this setting—be it a cozy home kitchen, a bustling street market, or a chic high-end restaurant—can add context and atmosphere to your food description.

It can also evoke emotions and associations tied to the place.

Example: The fish tacos tasted even better in the vibrant beachside shack, the salty sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves adding to the feast of flavors.

Here is a video about how to describe good food in writing:

Words to Describe Good Food (30 Words)

When it comes to describing good food, having a well-stocked pantry of words can make your writing more appetizing.

Here are 30 delicious words to savor:

• Scrumptious
• Lip-smacking
• Tantalizing

Phrases to Describe Good Food (30 Phrases)

Now that we’ve whetted your appetite with words, let’s move on to phrases.

Here are 30 phrases to help you describe good food with gusto:

• Bursting with flavor
• Melts in your mouth
• Packs a punch
• Worth every calorie
• Heaven on a plate
• A symphony of flavors
• A feast for the senses
• Like a party in your mouth
• Hits the spot
• A labor of love
• Comfort food at its finest
• Love at first bite
• Sweet and satisfying
• A culinary masterpiece
• As good as it gets
• Sinfully delicious
• Irresistibly mouth-watering
• A flavor explosion
• Comfort in every bite
• A tantalizing taste adventure
• Temptingly tasty
• Perfectly seasoned
• Savory and scrumptious
• Crispy to perfection
• Unforgettably flavorful
• Sweet tooth’s delight
• A treat for the taste buds
• Delectably decadent
• So good, it’s sinful
• A recipe for happiness

With these words and phrases at your disposal, your food writing will leave readers hungry for more.

Tips for Avoiding Common Food Description Clichés

Clichés are phrases that have been overused to the point of losing their original impact.

They can make your food writing sound stale and uninspired.

To avoid them:

• Try to think outside the box
• Vary your vocabulary
• Use your unique sensory experiences and personal reactions

Example of a cliché: The cake was as light as a feather. A fresher take: The cake was so light, it seemed to vanish on my tongue like a sweet, sugary cloud.

Different Styles of Food Writing

Different platforms call for different styles of food writing.

A blog post might be more casual and personal, sharing your experiences, thoughts, and opinions openly.

A novel might weave food descriptions into the narrative, using them to reveal character traits or set the scene. A recipe needs to be clear and precise, focusing on the ingredients and the cooking process.

A restaurant review should be balanced, discussing both the strengths and weaknesses of the food and the dining experience.

Always consider your audience and the purpose of your writing when describing food.

The Art of Writing Negative Food Reviews

Writing negative food reviews is a delicate art.

Here are some tips:

• Be honest but fair
• Focus on the food, not the chef or restaurant staff
• Describe what you didn’t like and why
• Mention any positive aspects.

Constructive criticism can be helpful for both the restaurant and potential customers.

Example: While the steak was unfortunately overcooked and lacked seasoning, the accompanying garlic mashed potatoes were creamy and full of flavor. The service was excellent, making the overall dining experience quite pleasant despite the main dish’s shortcomings.

How to Write About Food You’ve Never Eaten

Writing about food you’ve never eaten can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Research is your best friend here.

Read descriptions and reviews by people who have tried the food. Look at photos to get an idea of the texture and presentation.

Consider the ingredients and cooking methods, and relate them to similar foods you’ve tried.

And finally, take full advantage of your imagination.

Example: While I haven’t had the chance to try the traditional Icelandic dish hákarl (fermented shark), based on my research, it has a strong ammonia-rich smell and a fishy, cheese-like taste that leaves a lingering aftertaste—certainly an acquired taste for the adventurous food lovers.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe Good Food in Writing

One of the best ways to learn how to describe food is to read the menus from luxury restaurants like Le Gavroche in London or Aragawa in Japan.

The more you read, the more you learn.

And the more you learn, the better you become at penning your own food description masterpiece.

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• How to Describe a Car Accident in Writing (21 Best Tips)
• How to Describe a City in Writing (100+ Best Examples)
• How to Describe a Sunset in Writing: 100 Best Words & Phrases

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Six brilliant student essays on the power of food to spark social change.

Read winning essays from our fall 2018 “Feeding Ourselves, Feeding Our Revolutions,” student writing contest.

For the Fall 2018 student writing competition, “Feeding Ourselves, Feeding Our Revolutions,” we invited students to read the YES! Magazine article, “Cooking Stirs the Pot for Social Change,”   by Korsha Wilson and respond to this writing prompt: If you were to host a potluck or dinner to discuss a challenge facing your community or country, what food would you cook? Whom would you invite? On what issue would you deliberate? 

The Winners

From the hundreds of essays written, these six—on anti-Semitism, cultural identity, death row prisoners, coming out as transgender, climate change, and addiction—were chosen as essay winners.  Be sure to read the literary gems and catchy titles that caught our eye.

Middle School Winner: India Brown High School Winner: Grace Williams University Winner: Lillia Borodkin Powerful Voice Winner: Paisley Regester Powerful Voice Winner: Emma Lingo Powerful Voice Winner: Hayden Wilson

Literary Gems Clever Titles

Middle School Winner: India Brown  

A Feast for the Future

Close your eyes and imagine the not too distant future: The Statue of Liberty is up to her knees in water, the streets of lower Manhattan resemble the canals of Venice, and hurricanes arrive in the fall and stay until summer. Now, open your eyes and see the beautiful planet that we will destroy if we do not do something. Now is the time for change. Our future is in our control if we take actions, ranging from small steps, such as not using plastic straws, to large ones, such as reducing fossil fuel consumption and electing leaders who take the problem seriously.

 Hosting a dinner party is an extraordinary way to publicize what is at stake. At my potluck, I would serve linguini with clams. The clams would be sautéed in white wine sauce. The pasta tossed with a light coat of butter and topped with freshly shredded parmesan. I choose this meal because it cannot be made if global warming’s patterns persist. Soon enough, the ocean will be too warm to cultivate clams, vineyards will be too sweltering to grow grapes, and wheat fields will dry out, leaving us without pasta.

I think that giving my guests a delicious meal and then breaking the news to them that its ingredients would be unattainable if Earth continues to get hotter is a creative strategy to initiate action. Plus, on the off chance the conversation gets drastically tense, pasta is a relatively difficult food to throw.

In YES! Magazine’s article, “Cooking Stirs the Pot for Social Change,” Korsha Wilson says “…beyond the narrow definition of what cooking is, you can see that cooking is and has always been an act of resistance.” I hope that my dish inspires people to be aware of what’s at stake with increasing greenhouse gas emissions and work toward creating a clean energy future.

 My guest list for the potluck would include two groups of people: local farmers, who are directly and personally affected by rising temperatures, increased carbon dioxide, drought, and flooding, and people who either do not believe in human-caused climate change or don’t think it affects anyone. I would invite the farmers or farm owners because their jobs and crops are dependent on the weather. I hope that after hearing a farmer’s perspective, climate-deniers would be awakened by the truth and more receptive to the effort to reverse these catastrophic trends.

Earth is a beautiful planet that provides everything we’ll ever need, but because of our pattern of living—wasteful consumption, fossil fuel burning, and greenhouse gas emissions— our habitat is rapidly deteriorating. Whether you are a farmer, a long-shower-taking teenager, a worker in a pollution-producing factory, or a climate-denier, the future of humankind is in our hands. The choices we make and the actions we take will forever affect planet Earth.

 India Brown is an eighth grader who lives in New York City with her parents and older brother. She enjoys spending time with her friends, walking her dog, Morty, playing volleyball and lacrosse, and swimming.

High School Winner: Grace Williams

Apple Pie Embrace

It’s 1:47 a.m. Thanksgiving smells fill the kitchen. The sweet aroma of sugar-covered apples and buttery dough swirls into my nostrils. Fragrant orange and rosemary permeate the room and every corner smells like a stroll past the open door of a French bakery. My eleven-year-old eyes water, red with drowsiness, and refocus on the oven timer counting down. Behind me, my mom and aunt chat to no end, fueled by the seemingly self-replenishable coffee pot stashed in the corner. Their hands work fast, mashing potatoes, crumbling cornbread, and covering finished dishes in a thin layer of plastic wrap. The most my tired body can do is sit slouched on the backless wooden footstool. I bask in the heat escaping under the oven door.

 As a child, I enjoyed Thanksgiving and the preparations that came with it, but it seemed like more of a bridge between my birthday and Christmas than an actual holiday. Now, it’s a time of year I look forward to, dedicated to family, memories, and, most importantly, food. What I realized as I grew older was that my homemade Thanksgiving apple pie was more than its flaky crust and soft-fruit center. This American food symbolized a rite of passage, my Iraqi family’s ticket to assimilation. 

 Some argue that by adopting American customs like the apple pie, we lose our culture. I would argue that while American culture influences what my family eats and celebrates, it doesn’t define our character. In my family, we eat Iraqi dishes like mesta and tahini, but we also eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast. This doesn’t mean we favor one culture over the other; instead, we create a beautiful blend of the two, adapting traditions to make them our own.

 That said, my family has always been more than the “mashed potatoes and turkey” type.

My mom’s family immigrated to the United States in 1976. Upon their arrival, they encountered a deeply divided America. Racism thrived, even after the significant freedoms gained from the Civil Rights Movement a few years before. Here, my family was thrust into a completely unknown world: they didn’t speak the language, they didn’t dress normally, and dinners like riza maraka seemed strange in comparison to the Pop Tarts and Oreos lining grocery store shelves.

 If I were to host a dinner party, it would be like Thanksgiving with my Chaldean family. The guests, my extended family, are a diverse people, distinct ingredients in a sweet potato casserole, coming together to create a delicious dish.

In her article “Cooking Stirs the Pot for Social Change,” Korsha Wilson writes, “each ingredient that we use, every technique, every spice tells a story about our access, our privilege, our heritage, and our culture.” Voices around the room will echo off the walls into the late hours of the night while the hot apple pie steams at the table’s center.

We will play concan on the blanketed floor and I’ll try to understand my Toto, who, after forty years, still speaks broken English. I’ll listen to my elders as they tell stories about growing up in Unionville, Michigan, a predominately white town where they always felt like outsiders, stories of racism that I have the privilege not to experience. While snacking on sunflower seeds and salted pistachios, we’ll talk about the news- how thousands of people across the country are protesting for justice among immigrants. No one protested to give my family a voice.

Our Thanksgiving food is more than just sustenance, it is a physical representation of my family ’s blended and ever-changing culture, even after 40 years in the United States. No matter how the food on our plates changes, it will always symbolize our sense of family—immediate and extended—and our unbreakable bond.

Grace Williams, a student at Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri, enjoys playing tennis, baking, and spending time with her family. Grace also enjoys her time as a writing editor for her school’s yearbook, the Pioneer. In the future, Grace hopes to continue her travels abroad, as well as live near extended family along the sunny beaches of La Jolla, California.

University Winner: Lillia Borodkin

Nourishing Change After Tragedy Strikes

In the Jewish community, food is paramount. We often spend our holidays gathered around a table, sharing a meal and reveling in our people’s story. On other sacred days, we fast, focusing instead on reflection, atonement, and forgiveness.

As a child, I delighted in the comfort of matzo ball soup, the sweetness of hamantaschen, and the beauty of braided challah. But as I grew older and more knowledgeable about my faith, I learned that the origins of these foods are not rooted in joy, but in sacrifice.

The matzo of matzo balls was a necessity as the Jewish people did not have time for their bread to rise as they fled slavery in Egypt. The hamantaschen was an homage to the hat of Haman, the villain of the Purim story who plotted the Jewish people’s destruction. The unbaked portion of braided challah was tithed by commandment to the kohen  or priests. Our food is an expression of our history, commemorating both our struggles and our triumphs.

As I write this, only days have passed since eleven Jews were killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. These people, intending only to pray and celebrate the Sabbath with their community, were murdered simply for being Jewish. This brutal event, in a temple and city much like my own, is a reminder that anti-Semitism still exists in this country. A reminder that hatred of Jews, of me, my family, and my community, is alive and flourishing in America today. The thought that a difference in religion would make some believe that others do not have the right to exist is frightening and sickening.  

 This is why, if given the chance, I would sit down the entire Jewish American community at one giant Shabbat table. I’d serve matzo ball soup, pass around loaves of challah, and do my best to offer comfort. We would take time to remember the beautiful souls lost to anti-Semitism this October and the countless others who have been victims of such hatred in the past. I would then ask that we channel all we are feeling—all the fear, confusion, and anger —into the fight.

As suggested in Korsha Wilson’s “Cooking Stirs the Pot for Social Change,” I would urge my guests to direct our passion for justice and the comfort and care provided by the food we are eating into resisting anti-Semitism and hatred of all kinds.

We must use the courage this sustenance provides to create change and honor our people’s suffering and strength. We must remind our neighbors, both Jewish and non-Jewish, that anti-Semitism is alive and well today. We must shout and scream and vote until our elected leaders take this threat to our community seriously. And, we must stand with, support, and listen to other communities that are subjected to vengeful hate today in the same way that many of these groups have supported us in the wake of this tragedy.

This terrible shooting is not the first of its kind, and if conflict and loathing are permitted to grow, I fear it will not be the last. While political change may help, the best way to target this hate is through smaller-scale actions in our own communities.

It is critical that we as a Jewish people take time to congregate and heal together, but it is equally necessary to include those outside the Jewish community to build a powerful crusade against hatred and bigotry. While convening with these individuals, we will work to end the dangerous “otherizing” that plagues our society and seek to understand that we share far more in common than we thought. As disagreements arise during our discussions, we will learn to respect and treat each other with the fairness we each desire. Together, we shall share the comfort, strength, and courage that traditional Jewish foods provide and use them to fuel our revolution. 

We are not alone in the fight despite what extremists and anti-semites might like us to believe.  So, like any Jew would do, I invite you to join me at the Shabbat table. First, we will eat. Then, we will get to work.  

Lillia Borodkin is a senior at Kent State University majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Child Psychology. She plans to attend graduate school and become a school psychologist while continuing to pursue her passion for reading and writing. Outside of class, Lillia is involved in research in the psychology department and volunteers at the Women’s Center on campus.   

Powerful Voice Winner: Paisley Regester

As a kid, I remember asking my friends jokingly, ”If you were stuck on a deserted island, what single item of food would you bring?” Some of my friends answered practically and said they’d bring water. Others answered comically and said they’d bring snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or a banana. However, most of my friends answered sentimentally and listed the foods that made them happy. This seems like fun and games, but what happens if the hypothetical changes? Imagine being asked, on the eve of your death, to choose the final meal you will ever eat. What food would you pick? Something practical? Comical? Sentimental?  

This situation is the reality for the 2,747 American prisoners who are currently awaiting execution on death row. The grim ritual of “last meals,” when prisoners choose their final meal before execution, can reveal a lot about these individuals and what they valued throughout their lives.

It is difficult for us to imagine someone eating steak, lobster tail, apple pie, and vanilla ice cream one moment and being killed by state-approved lethal injection the next. The prisoner can only hope that the apple pie he requested tastes as good as his mom’s. Surprisingly, many people in prison decline the option to request a special last meal. We often think of food as something that keeps us alive, so is there really any point to eating if someone knows they are going to die?

“Controlling food is a means of controlling power,” said chef Sean Sherman in the YES! Magazine article “Cooking Stirs the Pot for Social Change,” by Korsha Wilson. There are deeper stories that lie behind the final meals of individuals on death row.

I want to bring awareness to the complex and often controversial conditions of this country’s criminal justice system and change the common perception of prisoners as inhuman. To accomplish this, I would host a potluck where I would recreate the last meals of prisoners sentenced to death.

In front of each plate, there would be a place card with the prisoner’s full name, the date of execution, and the method of execution. These meals could range from a plate of fried chicken, peas with butter, apple pie, and a Dr. Pepper, reminiscent of a Sunday dinner at Grandma’s, to a single olive.

Seeing these meals up close, meals that many may eat at their own table or feed to their own kids, would force attendees to face the reality of the death penalty. It will urge my guests to look at these individuals not just as prisoners, assigned a number and a death date, but as people, capable of love and rehabilitation.  

This potluck is not only about realizing a prisoner’s humanity, but it is also about recognizing a flawed criminal justice system. Over the years, I have become skeptical of the American judicial system, especially when only seven states have judges who ethnically represent the people they serve. I was shocked when I found out that the officers who killed Michael Brown and Anthony Lamar Smith were exonerated for their actions. How could that be possible when so many teens and adults of color have spent years in prison, some even executed, for crimes they never committed?  

Lawmakers, police officers, city officials, and young constituents, along with former prisoners and their families, would be invited to my potluck to start an honest conversation about the role and application of inequality, dehumanization, and racism in the death penalty. Food served at the potluck would represent the humanity of prisoners and push people to acknowledge that many inmates are victims of a racist and corrupt judicial system.

Recognizing these injustices is only the first step towards a more equitable society. The second step would be acting on these injustices to ensure that every voice is heard, even ones separated from us by prison walls. Let’s leave that for the next potluck, where I plan to serve humble pie.

Paisley Regester is a high school senior and devotes her life to activism, the arts, and adventure. Inspired by her experiences traveling abroad to Nicaragua, Mexico, and Scotland, Paisley hopes to someday write about the diverse people and places she has encountered and share her stories with the rest of the world.

Powerful Voice Winner: Emma Lingo

The Empty Seat

“If you aren’t sober, then I don’t want to see you on Christmas.”

Harsh words for my father to hear from his daughter but words he needed to hear. Words I needed him to understand and words he seemed to consider as he fiddled with his wine glass at the head of the table. Our guests, my grandma, and her neighbors remained resolutely silent. They were not about to defend my drunken father–or Charles as I call him–from my anger or my ultimatum.

This was the first dinner we had had together in a year. The last meal we shared ended with Charles slopping his drink all over my birthday presents and my mother explaining heroin addiction to me. So, I wasn’t surprised when Charles threw down some liquid valor before dinner in anticipation of my anger. If he wanted to be welcomed on Christmas, he needed to be sober—or he needed to be gone.

Countless dinners, holidays, and birthdays taught me that my demands for sobriety would fall on deaf ears. But not this time. Charles gave me a gift—a one of a kind, limited edition, absolutely awkward treat. One that I didn’t know how to deal with at all. Charles went home that night, smacked a bright red bow on my father, and hand-delivered him to me on Christmas morning.

He arrived for breakfast freshly showered and looking flustered. He would remember this day for once only because his daughter had scolded him into sobriety. Dad teetered between happiness and shame. Grandma distracted us from Dad’s presence by bringing the piping hot bacon and biscuits from the kitchen to the table, theatrically announcing their arrival. Although these foods were the alleged focus of the meal, the real spotlight shined on the unopened liquor cabinet in my grandma’s kitchen—the cabinet I know Charles was begging Dad to open.

I’ve isolated myself from Charles. My family has too. It means we don’t see Dad, but it’s the best way to avoid confrontation and heartache. Sometimes I find myself wondering what it would be like if we talked with him more or if he still lived nearby. Would he be less inclined to use? If all families with an addict tried to hang on to a relationship with the user, would there be fewer addicts in the world? Christmas breakfast with Dad was followed by Charles whisking him away to Colorado where pot had just been legalized. I haven’t talked to Dad since that Christmas.

As Korsha Wilson stated in her YES! Magazine article, “Cooking Stirs the Pot for Social Change,” “Sometimes what we don’t cook says more than what we do cook.” When it comes to addiction, what isn’t served is more important than what is. In quiet moments, I like to imagine a meal with my family–including Dad. He’d have a spot at the table in my little fantasy. No alcohol would push him out of his chair, the cigarettes would remain seated in his back pocket, and the stench of weed wouldn’t invade the dining room. Fruit salad and gumbo would fill the table—foods that Dad likes. We’d talk about trivial matters in life, like how school is going and what we watched last night on TV.

Dad would feel loved. We would connect. He would feel less alone. At the end of the night, he’d walk me to the door and promise to see me again soon. And I would believe him.

Emma Lingo spends her time working as an editor for her school paper, reading, and being vocal about social justice issues. Emma is active with many clubs such as Youth and Government, KHS Cares, and Peer Helpers. She hopes to be a journalist one day and to be able to continue helping out people by volunteering at local nonprofits.

Powerful Voice Winner: Hayden Wilson

Bittersweet Reunion

I close my eyes and envision a dinner of my wildest dreams. I would invite all of my relatives. Not just my sister who doesn’t ask how I am anymore. Not just my nephews who I’m told are too young to understand me. No, I would gather all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins to introduce them to the me they haven’t met.

For almost two years, I’ve gone by a different name that most of my family refuses to acknowledge. My aunt, a nun of 40 years, told me at a recent birthday dinner that she’d heard of my “nickname.” I didn’t want to start a fight, so I decided not to correct her. Even the ones who’ve adjusted to my name have yet to recognize the bigger issue.

Last year on Facebook, I announced to my friends and family that I am transgender. No one in my family has talked to me about it, but they have plenty to say to my parents. I feel as if this is about my parents more than me—that they’ve made some big parenting mistake. Maybe if I invited everyone to dinner and opened up a discussion, they would voice their concerns to me instead of my parents.

I would serve two different meals of comfort food to remind my family of our good times. For my dad’s family, I would cook heavily salted breakfast food, the kind my grandpa used to enjoy. He took all of his kids to IHOP every Sunday and ordered the least healthy option he could find, usually some combination of an overcooked omelet and a loaded Classic Burger. For my mom’s family, I would buy shakes and burgers from Hardee’s. In my grandma’s final weeks, she let aluminum tins of sympathy meals pile up on her dining table while she made my uncle take her to Hardee’s every day.

In her article on cooking and activism, food writer Korsha Wilson writes, “Everyone puts down their guard over a good meal, and in that space, change is possible.” Hopefully the same will apply to my guests.

When I first thought of this idea, my mind rushed to the endless negative possibilities. My nun-aunt and my two non-nun aunts who live like nuns would whip out their Bibles before I even finished my first sentence. My very liberal, state representative cousin would say how proud she is of the guy I’m becoming, but this would trigger my aunts to accuse her of corrupting my mind. My sister, who has never spoken to me about my genderidentity, would cover her children’s ears and rush them out of the house. My Great-Depression-raised grandparents would roll over in their graves, mumbling about how kids have it easy nowadays.

After mentally mapping out every imaginable terrible outcome this dinner could have, I realized a conversation is unavoidable if I want my family to accept who I am. I long to restore the deep connection I used to have with them. Though I often think these former relationships are out of reach, I won’t know until I try to repair them. For a year and a half, I’ve relied on Facebook and my parents to relay messages about my identity, but I need to tell my own story.

At first, I thought Korsha Wilson’s idea of a cooked meal leading the way to social change was too optimistic, but now I understand that I need to think more like her. Maybe, just maybe, my family could all gather around a table, enjoy some overpriced shakes, and be as close as we were when I was a little girl.

 Hayden Wilson is a 17-year-old high school junior from Missouri. He loves writing, making music, and painting. He’s a part of his school’s writing club, as well as the GSA and a few service clubs.

 Literary Gems

We received many outstanding essays for the Fall 2018 Writing Competition. Though not every participant can win the contest, we’d like to share some excerpts that caught our eye.

Thinking of the main staple of the dish—potatoes, the starchy vegetable that provides sustenance for people around the globe. The onion, the layers of sorrow and joy—a base for this dish served during the holidays.  The oil, symbolic of hope and perseverance. All of these elements come together to form this delicious oval pancake permeating with possibilities. I wonder about future possibilities as I flip the latkes.

—Nikki Markman, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California

The egg is a treasure. It is a fragile heart of gold that once broken, flows over the blemishless surface of the egg white in dandelion colored streams, like ribbon unraveling from its spool.

—Kaylin Ku, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, Princeton Junction, New Jersey

If I were to bring one food to a potluck to create social change by addressing anti-Semitism, I would bring gefilte fish because it is different from other fish, just like the Jews are different from other people.  It looks more like a matzo ball than fish, smells extraordinarily fishy, and tastes like sweet brine with the consistency of a crab cake.

—Noah Glassman, Ethical Culture Fieldston School,  Bronx, New York

I would not only be serving them something to digest, I would serve them a one-of-a-kind taste of the past, a taste of fear that is felt in the souls of those whose home and land were taken away, a taste of ancestral power that still lives upon us, and a taste of the voices that want to be heard and that want the suffering of the Natives to end.

—Citlalic Anima Guevara, Wichita North High School, Wichita, Kansas

It’s the one thing that your parents make sure you have because they didn’t.  Food is what your mother gives you as she lies, telling you she already ate. It’s something not everybody is fortunate to have and it’s also what we throw away without hesitation.  Food is a blessing to me, but what is it to you?

—Mohamed Omar, Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Missouri

Filleted and fried humphead wrasse, mangrove crab with coconut milk, pounded taro, a whole roast pig, and caramelized nuts—cuisines that will not be simplified to just “food.” Because what we eat is the diligence and pride of our people—a culture that has survived and continues to thrive.

—Mayumi Remengesau, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California

Some people automatically think I’m kosher or ask me to say prayers in Hebrew.  However, guess what? I don’t know many prayers and I eat bacon.

—Hannah Reing, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, The Bronx, New York

Everything was placed before me. Rolling up my sleeves I started cracking eggs, mixing flour, and sampling some chocolate chips, because you can never be too sure. Three separate bowls. All different sizes. Carefully, I tipped the smallest, and the medium-sized bowls into the biggest. Next, I plugged in my hand-held mixer and flicked on the switch. The beaters whirl to life. I lowered it into the bowl and witnessed the creation of something magnificent. Cookie dough.

—Cassandra Amaya, Owen Goodnight Middle School, San Marcos, Texas

Biscuits and bisexuality are both things that are in my life…My grandmother’s biscuits are the best: the good old classic Southern biscuits, crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Except it is mostly Southern people who don’t accept me.

—Jaden Huckaby, Arbor Montessori, Decatur, Georgia

We zest the bright yellow lemons and the peels of flavor fall lightly into the batter.  To make frosting, we keep adding more and more powdered sugar until it looks like fluffy clouds with raspberry seed rain.

—Jane Minus, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, New York

Tamales for my grandma, I can still remember her skillfully spreading the perfect layer of masa on every corn husk, looking at me pitifully as my young hands fumbled with the corn wrapper, always too thick or too thin.

—Brenna Eliaz, San Marcos High School, San Marcos, Texas

Just like fry bread, MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) remind New Orleanians and others affected by disasters of the devastation throughout our city and the little amount of help we got afterward.

—Madeline Johnson, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama

I would bring cream corn and buckeyes and have a big debate on whether marijuana should be illegal or not.

—Lillian Martinez, Miller Middle School, San Marcos, Texas

We would finish the meal off with a delicious apple strudel, topped with schlag, schlag, schlag, more schlag, and a cherry, and finally…more schlag (in case you were wondering, schlag is like whipped cream, but 10 times better because it is heavier and sweeter).

—Morgan Sheehan, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, New York

Clever Titles

This year we decided to do something different. We were so impressed by the number of catchy titles that we decided to feature some of our favorites. 

“Eat Like a Baby: Why Shame Has No Place at a Baby’s Dinner Plate”

—Tate Miller, Wichita North High School, Wichita, Kansas 

“The Cheese in Between”

—Jedd Horowitz, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, New York

“Harvey, Michael, Florence or Katrina? Invite Them All Because Now We Are Prepared”

—Molly Mendoza, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama

“Neglecting Our Children: From Broccoli to Bullets”

—Kylie Rollings, Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Missouri  

“The Lasagna of Life”

—Max Williams, Wichita North High School, Wichita, Kansas

“Yum, Yum, Carbon Dioxide In Our Lungs”

—Melanie Eickmeyer, Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Missouri

“My Potluck, My Choice”

—Francesca Grossberg, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, New York

“Trumping with Tacos”

—Maya Goncalves, Lincoln Middle School, Ypsilanti, Michigan

“Quiche and Climate Change”

—Bernie Waldman, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, New York

“Biscuits and Bisexuality”

“W(health)”

—Miles Oshan, San Marcos High School, San Marcos, Texas

“Bubula, Come Eat!”

—Jordan Fienberg, Ethical Culture Fieldston School,  Bronx, New York

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay on Food

Tantalize your reader with tried-and-true descriptive essay techniques

Descriptive essays are the cornerstone of getting one's point across. There are all kinds of papers out there, but not one of them excels nearly so much at giving readers the impression they've been transported to a picture-perfect representation of your source material. If someone is reading an essay on traveling to the Bahamas, the writer ought to ensure they feel like they're actually there for the duration of the paper. If someone is reading about a dark and dreary day, the writer ought to instill that vibe from the very first sentence.

Food follows the same formula - and it's one of the most fun examples around. After all, who doesn't love food? There's magic in quality culinary writing; it rumbles stomaches and compels people to lick their lips autonomically. What's the secret, you ask? It's capturing the essence of your food item. Your pizza needs to sizzle as it's pulled from the oven. Its cheese needs to bubble up over a crust baked golden brown. It needs to fill the kitchen – if not the entire house – with the aromas of fresh garlic and roma tomatoes. You're not looking to tell your audience there's a pizza in your essay, you're striving to make them think they're in the house with that pizza and they're hungry for it.

The process we've just described is sometimes called "sensory writing." If done well, it triggers in readers the feeling of numerous senses reacting to the cuisine you've described. Popular authors dot their pages with the honey smells of herb roasted duck and the overwhelming scent of pan-seared turnips and onions and they do this because it speaks to people on a highly relatable level. If we know these smells, we're pulled into the story. If you're writing an entire assignment on this sort of thing, do yourself a favor and flip through a few of your favorite books to get a bead on how those authors work their foodstuffs into their tales.

Outline your culinary ambitions

There's plenty else to do in preparation for your paper. After you've conducted your research, create an outline which addresses the various elements comprising your literary chow. Here are some quick tips on what to tackle in the outline stage:

• How does your food impact the people around it? Kind of a silly sentence, perhaps, but it has merit – the best dishes keep even four-star chefs feeling hungry during prep time.
• If your paper involves the active consumption of its topical cuisine, you'll want to spend some time on texture and, of course, taste. Is that honey roasted duck as crisp as its cook claims? Does it snap a crunch on its eater's teeth? Is it practically bursting with rosemary and thyme, or is the flavor more delicate and subdued?

Draft yourself up and ask your friends for help

After your outline is complete, type up a rough draft and consult your peers. Friends and family will be glad to check out a couple of pages with so tasty a premise, although if you've done a fine enough job, they may expect you to cook for them. The purpose of this stage is to gather constructive feedback. Ask if they feel you've conveyed a full and rich account of the food in question. Check if they require clarity on the details. The biggest question of all: "do you feel like you were standing right there when you read about my food?" If the answer is a resounding yes, your final paper is going to win hearts and stomaches.

• Appetizers and Tapas
• Breakfast and Breads
• Salads and Dressings
• Lunch Specials
• Sauces and Spreads
• Cookies and Desserts
• Sunday Brunch
• Cajun & Creole
• Sitara's Favorites
• Cooking Tips
• Acknowledgements

Essay on My Favorite Food: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing an essay about your favorite food is a delightful task that allows you to express your passion for a culinary delight while honing your writing skills. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of crafting a compelling essay that not only highlights your love for a particular dish but also engages your readers. So, get ready to savor the journey of writing an essay on your favorite food Essay on My Favorite Food: Tips to Write a Top-Notch Paper !

Choosing the Perfect Dish

When it comes to writing an essay on your favorite food, the first step is selecting the perfect dish to write about. Think about the meals that make your taste buds dance with joy. Is it your grandmother's homemade lasagna or the spicy street tacos from your last vacation? Choose a dish that holds a special place in your heart.

Creating a Mouthwatering Introduction

Your essay's introduction is the appetizer that sets the tone for the entire piece. Begin with a captivating hook that entices your readers to continue. You can use an interesting food-related anecdote or a thought-provoking quote. Then, introduce your favorite food and explain why it holds such significance to you.

Building a Flavorful Body

The main body of your essay is where you dive deep into the flavors and experiences associated with your favorite food. Describe the dish in detail - its appearance, aroma, taste, and texture. Share personal anecdotes or memories related to this dish. Discuss how it makes you feel and why it stands out among all the meals you've ever had.

Dos and Don'ts

To ensure your essay on your favorite food is as delectable as the dish itself, here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Do use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your favorite food.
• Do share personal experiences and memories associated with the dish.
• Do engage your readers' senses by describing the aroma, taste, and texture.
• Do convey your passion and enthusiasm for the food.
• Don't provide a generic or bland description of the food.
• Don't forget to proofread and edit your essay for clarity and coherence.
• Don't make it too lengthy; keep your essay concise and focused.

Q: How long should my essay be?

Your essay should be around 1500 words, providing enough depth without overwhelming the reader.

Q: Can I write about multiple favorite foods?

It's best to focus on one favorite food to maintain a clear and concise narrative.

Q: Should I include a recipe in my essay?

While it's not necessary, you can include a brief recipe if it adds value to your story.

Final Thoughts

Writing an essay on your favorite food is not just an academic exercise; it's a way to share a piece of your soul through the lens of your taste buds. Make it flavorful, engaging, and heartfelt. With this guide, you're well-equipped to craft a mouthwatering essay that leaves your readers craving both your words and the delicious dish you've described.

Useful Resources:  https://londonproofreaders.co.uk/essay-proofreading-service/

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Back to all samples

Sample Essay on Food and Writing Hacks

Ever wondered, “What is some interesting topic I can write my essay about?” The answer is simple: anything can be an interesting topic, given the right angle.

Writing an essay on an abstract topic or about things which appear to all of us so usual, common, and routine may prove to be way far from being as simple as it seems at first glance. One might assume that it would take a couple pages of mental wandering – and the mission’s accomplished. Well, not that fast, buddy.

Say, what food essay topics you can come up with instantly? Or how to describe food in an essay on the whole? That’s what we’re talking about here. You gotta do some serious thinking first. You gotta be both general and specific, common and personal at the same time. You gotta do your best. From this perspective, what you can do at this very moment is use the sample piece below as a model to craft your own essays on food or any other abstract theme. There’s another (short and easy) way, though: hire a professional writer to do the job. Speaking of which, you can do it right here right now by clicking the button below:

WRITE AWESOME ESSAY FOR ME!

But let’s get back to the subject matter of this page. Here is a chunk of sample essay that should make it clear to you how to write an essay about food – yes, such a familiar and usual thing that we deal with several times every day:

Essay on Food

For some people, food is just a necessity to satisfy basic needs; for the others, food is more than just a basic necessity, but a pleasure that plays a significant role in their understanding of happiness. There are so many different cuisines and food preferences built by cultural and ethnical backgrounds, geographical locations and social classes. Food and popular meals can tell us a lot about the history and traditions of various nations and regions. Meat eating habits, herbs, and crops – everything makes its contribution to the traditional cuisine and culture. India is a land of spices, Africa is a continent of sauces, Europe discloses esthetical beauty of food and opens up new opportunities and inventions for those who value and enjoy eating.

Eating habits change over time and follow climate, cultural and other transformations that determined the evolution of the communities. Changes in the way people serve the table, evolution of European and Asian business etiquette, food preferences according to the surveys in different countries and other elements that allow measuring and analyzing the evolution of food help us understand the history.

Some of the recipes we keep through generations and these old traditions and knowledge are the only untouchable aspects that people try to bring with them. With globalization and exchange of knowledge between different countries, food becomes more accessible, and now we have an opportunity to try and investigate various fruits and vegetables from different corners of the world. Transportation facilities made it possible to develop food trade, and there are almost no borders that could limit English people from trying Indian or Chinese food. Other factors that spread and mix food preferences around the world are immigration and ethnical minorities that inevitably widen knowledge of local population about various cuisines.

Food and eating in general are…

Wait, you didn’t think we’d open free access to such an awesome essay entirely, did you? ☺ All in all, if after scanning all those food writing examples, you’ve just caught yourself thinking “I like what I read”, take notice: we can whip up even a better piece for you!

(Hopefully) Helpful Abstract Writing Tips

Oh, well, if you still decide to take a chance and craft that opus on your own, it means you could definitely use these brief yet awe-inspiring, incredibly valuable, and unbelievably effective tips on how to write an impressive essay on an abstract topic and not screw it up:

• the most valuable advice: don’t waste your time scanning the Web in search of the universally applicable abstract paper types classification or a step-by-step guide on approaching abstract topics. There’s no some one-size-fits-all recipe or for them. Generally speaking, that’s precisely why they are called “abstract” in the first place.
• a ‘Dutch uncle’ advice: get general and personal at the same time. When writing about something abstract, you cannot avoid discussing it in general terms (which is extremely boring, ehw). Try to make this part short and quickly move on to the part where you reflect on how this generic stuff has directly influenced your life (oh yeah, things are heating up now!).
• the ‘not too bad at all’ advice: think really hard about the multi-dimensional meaning of words in the topic – and use all of them or the most appealing to you. For example, if it’s a piece about, say, bridges, then, apart from being the wreath of engineering thought, they could symbolize your connection with another person or some meaningful moment in your life.
• the ‘kinda obvious’ advice: structure your essay properly – a catchy introduction followed by several sections of analysis and your reflections rounded up with a conclusion paragraph. For the impact-enhancing effect, you can finish the whole thing off with an open or rhetorical question.
• just an advice #5: heck your writing, fix grammar mistakes and logical inconsistencies. Repeat. Give it a rest. Then go over the text again. Invent a pause, eat something yummy. Show your piece to someone who really knows how to polish content to perfection.

Done reading? Now go write! Just open your laptop and start hitting keyboard like your life depends on it, double-time!

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How to Write a Process Essay on Food

How to Write a Process Essay About Cupcakes

A process essay on food is either an essay that tells you how to make a recipe or one that tells you how a food product is made. Both essays are written in the form of step-by-step instructions. As you research and write your essay, you'll likely learn a lot, which can benefit you as the author, as baking brownies from scratch is time-consuming, but the final product is well worth the wait. It is important to keep your directions or process steps as simple as possible. If the process is a recipe, the article should teach the reader how to make it. If the process is how a certain food product was made, like name-brand factory products, the reader should understand all the steps that went into creating that food product.

Writing About How Food is Made

Find out everything there is to know about making the food product about which you are writing. Take notes, use legitimate sources and if possible, interview someone directly involved in the production of the food product. Consider all of the ingredients, staff and machinery necessary to make the food you are learning about. You may be writing about how a factory mass produces their brand of food, such as candy bars or toaster pastries, or how a private bakery is run. Ask questions appropriate to your topic.

Before you begin writing, first outline your essay. This will help plan everything you want to write about. Order everything in sequential order, so the reader will clearly understand how the food product is made. Next, write the body of your essay. Each paragraph should be one point or one step in the process to make the food product. Make sure the reader knows everything involved in the process you are writing about.

Finally, write the introduction and conclusion of your essay. It is best to write the introduction after the body, so you understand what you are introducing. An introduction should prepare a reader for your article and possibly give them some background information on the process. The conclusion should summarize all of your main points. Last but not least, go back over your essay and correct any grammatical or spelling errors.

Writing Recipes

Learn everything you can about the recipe you are writing about. Do some research and learn if there are different ways to make the food in the recipe. Make sure you are educated in the cooking methods required in the recipe. It's also important to cook or prepare the recipe yourself. When you have followed the steps you learned, you will understand how best to teach those steps to others, and you might pick up some new cooking skills as well.

Next, write down all of the steps to prepare the recipe. Be sure to write the recipe in chronological order. For example, for recipes that require baking, mention preheating the oven first, so it can be at the proper temperature when it's time to place your dish in the oven. Include a list of necessary ingredients.

Then, you'll be able to write an introduction to the essay. This is best done after you have written the steps, so you know exactly what you are introducing. Try to include background information on the recipe in question.

Finally, write a conclusion to the essay. In this section include any variations to the recipe. If certain ingredients can be exchanged for others, let the reader know. Also, don't forget to proofread your essay at least one more time for spelling and grammatical errors, and fix if necessary.

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Everything You Need to Know About Food Writing (tips + jobs + samples)

Do you want to know more about food writing if yes, you are not alone. in recent times, writing about food has grown in popularity. food writers are in high demand and food writing contests award the best entrants with cash prizes..

One thing you need to know as a food writer is that you can build a lucrative career in it. According to the latest statistics , food writers on the average make about $60,000 a year. Those who are new in this genre earn much less than those who have established their authority in the industry.

Perhaps it is for this reason that more people ask “what is food writing?” and “how can one become a food writer?”

In this article, we shall answer these questions and more. You’ll learn everything you need to know on writing about food, including:

• Tips for succeeding in the niche.
• How to land jobs as a food writer.
• What courses can help you succeed?
• And sample essays and stories that might serve as a guide.

What is Food Writing

Food writing is a type of writing that has food as its central theme. It can manifest in different genres of writing, like fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. 

Although the writing is about food, it aims to provide readers with an aesthetic experience that goes beyond food.

The rising popularity of this writing genre can be linked to the globalization of the food industry. A growing body of evidence also suggests that more people desire to experience worlds that are different from theirs. One way to accomplish this is to experiment with other cuisines. But some people go beyond eating; they share their culinary experiences with the world.

Earning a living from writing about food is another matter altogether. It requires a lot of expertise and strategic planning. But before we discuss these, let’s explore writing about food in detail.

Types of Food Writing

Food writing is just a subgenre. It can be written as fiction, creative nonfiction/essay and poetry. It is, therefore, very diverse and can take many shapes and forms. 

Below are some of the more popular types of food writing.

Food Memoir

A food memoir is a type of writing about an author’s autobiographical experiences with food. Food memoirs comprise narratives about food memories from a writer’s perspective. Authors of food memoirs share their food memories and also their respective food cultures and identities.

Restaurant Review

We can describe a restaurant review as a type of writing that critiques and rates a restaurant on its quality of food, service, and prices.

Food lovers depend on restaurant reviews to make informed decisions on where to have the best food experience.

Restaurant owners also rely on restaurant reviews for information and feedback that will help them improve their food and services.

Restaurant review writing can come in different forms. While some restaurant review writers focus on the food served, others concentrate on the food environment and how the food is presented.

Recipe Writing

Recipe writing comprises a set of information and instruction on how to prepare a dish, drink, or food. Many people rely on food recipes as a guide to prepare food, dishes, or drinks they are not familiar with. 

A recipe contains a recipe name, the ingredients, and instructions on how and when to combine the ingredients.

Some experts advocate that recipe writers should know their audience so they can communicate in a language they will understand.

Food History

Those involved in food history writing focus on the cultural, environmental, economic, and sociological impact of food on our lives.

Food history writers believe that issues surrounding food matter and go beyond what happens in the kitchen and at dinner tables. Reading food history writing can reveal much about a society’s cultural norms.

While some food writers have advanced degrees on the subject, others just write about their culinary heritage. One of the most important things to be a successful food writer is to have deep knowledge about what you are writing about.

There are different kinds of food history writing, including foodstuff history, dietary history, culinary history, nutritional history, and dining history.

How to Become a Food Writer

Research of successful food writers will reveal that many took different pathways to launch their writing careers.

However, there are some attributes that every writer needs to break even and become successful as a food writer. 

Learn How to Write

The first port of call for anyone who wants to be a successful food writer is to learn and master the art of writing.

If you have great food experiences but do not know how to write, it will be hard to share them with the rest of the world.

Your writings about food must elicit positive emotions in your readers to make them want to experience it with you.

Improving your writing skills will make it easy to express your thoughts to your readers.

There are several ways to improve your writing skills and write eloquently . Many food writers choose to get a degree or certificate from an educational institution. Other writers opt for in-person or online courses. You can also improve your writing by reading and studying the writing styles of different food writers.

But whatever you do, don’t take the easy route of using online AI paraphrasing tools or AI writing tools to help you write better. Yes, they will help you create content faster, but your writing will be bland and you definitely won’t become a better writer by letting AI write for you when you feel stuck.

Study the Food Industry

Learning about the food industry is vital because it exposes a writer to the business, culture, and art of food consumption.

A deep knowledge of the creativity and traditions behind some food cultures and restaurants will set your writing apart.

What they say about being a jack of all trades and master of none is true about food essays and writing. 

People who write about food do that from various angles. Although there are several ways to write about food, it is better to focus on the area(s) where you have the strongest passion.

Determining the area or areas you want to focus on depends on where you have a strong comparative advantage. For example, if you have experience in the tourism sector, it will make sense to focus on food tourism.

You can write about your local dish, the various ways to prepare it, and its cultural significance. Experts believe that those with an emotional attachment to a particular food are in the best position to write about it.

There are many advantages when you focus on writing about the food you are familiar with. Writing about the food you know and enjoy gives you an edge over someone who is not familiar with it. Writing of any kind is difficult. Choosing a food niche you are passionate about will keep you writing when the going gets tough.

Employ your Descriptive Skills

One thing that sets successful food writers apart from the rest of the pack is their powerful descriptive skills.

Unlike video content, where the audience can see what is going on, the readers of food essays and writing depend on the writer’s descriptions.

The food experience goes beyond what you can taste with your tongue and includes other sensory organs of touch, smell, and hearing. 

Experts believe food writers should focus on the five senses. A writer’s ability to use descriptive adjectives to explain how the senses perceive food makes reading enjoyable.

A writer should bring to life and describe to readers all the experiences involved in a particular food culture.

When a food writer captures and describes the food environment, the readers can visualize and partake in that experience.

Readers want to know how the food and the food environment look, smell, feel like, taste, and even sound during preparation. A writer can achieve all these through a careful choice of descriptive words.

Focus on those Behind the Food

Good food essays and writing is about food and those behind it. Therefore, you should not limit your writing to the food itself.

Writing about the people behind the food and the special relationship they have with the processes of making the food is vital.

If a particular restaurant has a chef who has a unique way of preparing a meal, it makes sense to explore and share that with readers.

Writing about food is fascinating when a writer explores the relationship and the personal connection people have with their food.

The worst mistake you can make as a food writer is to misrepresent facts in your writing. Food is an aspect of culture and you cannot afford to offend people in your writing by misrepresenting food facts.

Misrepresenting facts about food is common among writers with little or no experience with a particular food culture.

One thing to do to avoid this error is to research your food subject. The research will reveal facts that may not be obvious to the casual observer.

Another thing you can do to avoid mistakes in your writing is to feature experts familiar with that food subject.

Successful food writers must be knowledgeable about their subject and be abreast of the latest food trends. Misrepresenting food facts can be controversial, especially if you are an outsider.

How to Start Writing About Food

So now you have gained the education and experience and are ready to write about food. Where do you start?

Below are a couple of ways to kick-start your writing career.

Start a Food Blog 

Thanks to the liberalization of the internet, writers can freely share their works without the bottlenecks of publishing bureaucracies.

Blogging is the best way for aspiring writers to build their writing resumes. You will have enough materials to show prospective clients and employers when you consistently publish your writings.

Another benefit of blogging is that it provides a platform to connect and interact directly with your readers.

The feedback you get from your readers will give you great insights and help you improve your writing.

Pitch your Writings

Apart from blogging, sending your articles to both online and print food magazines is a great way to build your writing career.

Fortunately, we have a plethora of food-writing magazines constantly searching for new and interesting food articles.

As long as you do not give up after a few pitches, there are food magazines that will take a chance on you.

Food Writing Jobs

If you decide to be a food writer, there is no shortage of job opportunities for you in the food industry.

You can decide to be a freelancer and work at your own pace or pitch your tent with an organization.

Here are some writing jobs to pursue as a career.

• Food Journalist — work for news organizations or agencies and write about food trends in society.
• Food Writing Editor — can work in food publication organizations, and their primary responsibilities are to write, edit and review food articles.
• Food Content Writer — Thanks to the internet, content writing has become a lucrative career for many professionals. Most food content writers are freelancers who write content for websites and food blogs.
• Food Copywriter — Food copywriters specialize in creating persuasive content aimed at eliciting positive emotions about food products and services. The difference between a food content writer and a food copywriter is that the latter focuses on marketing a brand.

Food Writing Examples

A good food writer must use words that elicit a sense of tension and suspense in the reader. Below are some good examples. 

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle By Haruki Murakami

Murakami’s description of the food menu and the cooking process is simple and takes the reader through a mouthwatering reading experience. Below is an excerpt from his book “ The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle ”.

The Girl Who Was Afraid of an Egg By Yemisi Aribisala

In the excerpt below, Aribisala uses fresh metaphors and creative language to help the reader picture the color and perceive the aroma in the process of frying eggs.

I Remember Nothing, and Other Reflections, By Nora Ephron

What sets Ephron’s writing apart is the expertise with which she delicately blends sophistication and creativity. The following is an excerpt from her book “ I Remember Nothing, and Other Reflections”

Swann’s Way By Marcel Proust

Proust’s use of descriptive words to explain the food process can make that experience memorable for the reader. Here’s a paragraph from Proust’s book, “Swann’s Way”.

Finally thoughts

Few activities bring people, families, and friends together more than when they enjoy food.

Food symbolizes much more than just a biological necessity. It is now part of our social, cultural, religious, and national identity.

If you love food and writing and would love to share your experience with the rest of the world, you can benefit from the tips in this article.

Although it seems daunting, especially for the uninitiated, you can start today by taking those first steps towards building a successful writing career. 

All you need is a passion for food and writing and a desire to learn what it takes to succeed in the food writing industry.

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6.2: Sample Student Research Essay Draft- Food Deserts

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• Page ID 124432

• Gabriel Winer & Elizabeth Wadell
• Berkeley City College & Laney College via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative (OERI)

Reading: Draft of student essay on food deserts

Note: This sample is a rough draft that is not intended to be a model of a polished, finished essay. Since the chapter focuses on clarity and style, the essay can be used as the "before'" version for practicing revision.

17 May 2019

Accessibility and Affordability of Healthy Food Dependent Upon Socioeconomic Status

Have you ever had trouble finding a supermarket when you wanted to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits? Have you ever wondered why there are no supermarkets in certain areas? This phenomenon is especially interesting as people have begun to pay more attention to a healthy diet and lean towards purchasing healthy food, and more and more natural and organic-food stores have opened in recent years. As explained by Michael Pollan, a food detective and expert and the author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma , organic food is considered healthy because “it is grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides” (133). Even though there are organic grocery stores like Whole Foods seemingly everywhere, it is difficult for some people of lower socioeconomic status, who live in food deserts, to access healthy food due to lack of accessibility and affordability. According to American FactFinder, the median family income in the United States was $70,850 in 2017 (“American FactFinder—Results”). This means that families with a median income below $70,850 are considered to have lower socioeconomic status. Gloria Howerton, professor in the Geography Department at the University of Georgia and the author of “‘Oh Honey, Don't You Know?’ The Social Construction of Food Access in a Food Desert,” mentions that people of lower socioeconomic status usually live in food deserts (741). A food desert is an area where there is a lack of fresh vegetable and fruit providers, such as supermarkets or farmers' markets. Food deserts that exist in places like West Oakland, California, contribute to inequitable health outcomes; however, some solutions are in place to improve this situation.

It’s difficult for people of lower socioeconomic status who live in food deserts to access healthy food because there is a lack of outlets for fresh produce in their community. As Alana Rhone, an Agricultural Economist, and colleagues report, there’s a website known as the Food Access Research Atlas (FARA) that “allows users to investigate access to food stores at the census-tract level” (1). According to the United States Department of Agriculture ERS, the measure of food access is based on proximity to the nearest store, and the number of households without a vehicle (“Documentation” para 2). As specified by FARA, 33% of residents in West Oakland are at least one mile away from any supermarket, and one-third of its residents do not have vehicles. For urban areas, such as West Oakland, the USDA defines that “a tract is considered low access if at least 100 households are more than a half-mile from the nearest supermarket and have no access to a vehicle” (“Documentation” para 8). Given the facts above, one can reasonably assume that if people don’t have a car and need to take a bus to access healthy food, it will cause inconvenience and lower their willingness to purchase healthy food. It’s harder to calculate the time it will take to go on the supermarket trip when one is taking public transportation. As a result, if one buys fresh milk but has to spend much time on taking public transportation to return home from a supermarket, the fresh milk may spoil. In contrast, if people own private vehicles, they can easily plan the trip and be willing to travel longer distances to a supermarket to purchase healthy food. Therefore, it’s hard for residents of West Oakland who live in food deserts to access healthy produce since there are insufficient outlets to fresh food in their community.

It’s also tough for people of lower socioeconomic status to buy healthy food because they cannot afford high-end organic food. According to American FactFinder, the median family income in West Oakland was $35,037  in 2017, which is below the U.S. median family income of $70,850. Based on the data above, residents in West Oakland are considered to be of a lower socioeconomic status. As mentioned previously, organic food has no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and as stated by Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, the 6th Edition. 2019, “organic farming requires more manual labor and attention” (“Organic food.”), so its price is higher than conventional food. Take salted butter as an example; one box of four bars of organic salted butter costs $5.29, while one box of non-organic salted butter only costs $3.49 (as listed on the Whole Foods website). Additionally, as reported by an article, “Socioeconomic Status and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: Impact of Dietary Mediators,” written by many Medical Doctor and Doctor of Philosophy, “Low-income families purchase low-cost items” because “the price of fruit and vegetables was the most determinative barrier in the consumption of these products from low-income families” (Psaltopoulou Chapter: 2.2. Cost). People with lower income may face the difficulty of living a self-sufficient life, much less purchase high-end organic food. Due to the lower income, if people of lower socioeconomic status frequently purchase high-end organic food, it will increase their financial burden. They often tend to consume cheaper and less healthy produce such as processed food because the price point is lower, and the portion is larger than that of organic food. As a result, it will be challenging for people with lower income to access healthy food.

However, many residents of West Oakland believe that corner liquor stores are cheaper and more convenient than supermarkets. Admittedly, it is true. They think this because there are many corner liquor stores nearby, and that is convenient for them. They can buy everything they need in a corner liquor stores store and don’t have to travel long distances to a supermarket to access healthy food. Research on Google Maps shows there are at least ten corner liquor stores but no supermarkets like Whole Foods in West Oakland. As stated by Sam Bloch, the author of “Why Do Corner Stores Struggle to Sell Fresh Produce” and a professional writer for  The New York Times , L.A. Weekly , and Artnet, most of the corner stores “don’t have walk-in refrigerators” (para 13). Thus, they cannot sell many types of fresh produce because they do not have refrigerators to keep the produces fresh; the food may spoil before being sold. As a result, liquor stores rarely provide healthy food choices, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, or dairy. Hence, even if many liquor stores nearby are convenient, one is barely able to find healthier produce. In the long-term, those that constantly shop at corner liquor stores may only gain convenience but lose in health and well-being.

Although the lack of accessibility and affordability may obstruct people of lower socioeconomic status who live in food deserts to access healthy food, luckily there are some existing resources that one can make good use to improve this situation, such as food hubs and community gardens. According to Jim Downing, the executive editor of UCANR's research journal California Agriculture, food hubs are nonprofit organizations and “are designed to enable small and mid-scale farms to efficiently reach larger and more distant market channels like campuses and school districts, hospitals and corporate kitchens” (para 5). For instance, Mandela Foods Distribution, a Mandela Marketplace social enterprise, delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to corner stores in low-income neighborhoods in West Oakland (Downing para 6). Food hubs supply fresh vegetables and fruits to low-income communities, and it increases access to healthy foods for residents of West Oakland. Residents can obtain fresh and healthy food through food hubs at Mandela Marketplace. Another resource that helps residents to access healthy food is learning how to grow vegetables and fruits in community gardens. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Establishing a community garden where participants share in the maintenance and products of the garden and organizing local farmers markets are two efforts that community members themselves can do” (“Food Desert” para 4). Community gardens provide places that allow people to plant food for themselves. One of the famous community gardens is known as City Slicker Farms. The goal of City Slicker Farms is “to empower West Oakland community members to meet the basic need for fresh, healthy food by creating sustainable, high-yield urban farms and backyard gardens” (para 1). There are many plots provided to residents to plant vegetables and fruits and to exchange and discuss their gardening experiences at the farm. If residents can make good use of food hubs or community gardens, they can access to healthy food and learn how to grow fresh vegetables and fruits themselves.

This case study shows that the difficulties people of lower socioeconomic status who live in food deserts face in accessing healthy food are lower-income and a lack of supermarkets. Helping people of lower socioeconomic status increase their income to afford healthy produce or building many supermarkets that sell healthy produce may be not easy to achieve. However, to recognize this situation and make good use of existing resources to access healthy food are significant and feasible. For long-term health, people need to consume more healthy food instead of less healthy food such as processed food. In other words, people who consistently consume processed food may negatively affect their health. Since many processed foods have high amounts of added sugar and sodium, they may be associated with some diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. In brief, people should consume unhealthy food as least as possible. Planting fresh vegetables and fruits in community gardens or going to Mandela Foods Distribution where food hubs supply much fresh food for residents are some of the ways for people who have trouble finding fresh food to access healthy produce. These may be the best ways for people who live in food deserts and belong to a lower socioeconomic status to receive the greatest benefits from limited resources.

Works Cited

“American FactFinder—Results.” American F actFinder - Results , 5 Oct. 2010.

Bloch, Sam. “Why Do Corner Stores Struggle to Sell Fresh Produce?” New Food E conomy , 21 Feb. 2019.

“Documentation.” Economic Research Service , United States Department of Agriculture.

Downing, J. “Food Hubs: The Logistics of Local.” California Agriculture , University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 13 Sept. 2017.

“Food Desert: Gateway to Health Communication: CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and P revention , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Sept. 2017.

Howerton, Gloria, and Amy Trauger. “‘Oh Honey, Don’t You Know?’ The Social Construction of Food Access in a Food Desert.” ACME: An International E-Journal for Critical Geographies , vol. 16, no. 4, Dec. 2017, pp. 740–760. EBSCOhost .

“Organic Food.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition , Jan. 2019, p. 1. EBSCOhost.

Psaltopoulou, Theodora, et al. “Socioeconomic Status and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: Impact of Dietary Mediators.” Hellenic Journal of Cardiology , Elsevier, 1 Feb. 2017.

Pollan, Michael. Young Readers Edition: The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Secrets behind What You Eat. New York: Dial, 2009. Print.

Rhone,  Alana, et al. “Low-Income and Low-Supermarket-Access Census Tracts, 2010-2015.” A gEcon Search , 1 Jan. 2017.

"Salted Butter". Whole Foods.  P roducts.wholefoodsmarket.com.

Licenses and Attributions

Cc licensed content: original.

Authored by Amanda Wu, Laney College. License: CC BY NC.

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Great argumentative essay topics about food with essay prompts, bob cardens.

• July 31, 2022
• Essay Topics and Ideas , Samples

It can be hard to think of a good Argumentative Essay Topics About Food. You want something that will engage your audience and get them thinking, but you also need to pick a topic that you feel passionate about. In this article, we’ll give you a list of some great Argumentative Essay Topics About Food to get you started!

What You'll Learn

Great Argumentative Essay Topics About Food

Differences Between Food Intoxication and Food Infection

Essay Prompt: Food infections occur when individuals consume food contaminated by infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. Food contamination can happen during the production of food.

Food as a Way to Showcase African Americans’ Identity

Essay Prompt: For the majority, there is not much to think about food. Food is simply a means to an end. We eat so we could be full. However, others understand that food is not just a means. They understand that what they eat is a representation of who they are.

Delegate your Paper to an Expert

Why Do People Waste Food?

Essay Prompt: Evidence reveals that the food wasted annually could be enough to feed an enormous number of people. There are two main reasons why people waste food. First, when people visit restaurants, they are usually starving. Consequently, they are likely to order more food than they need.

The Food we Eat

Essay Prompt: The food we eat contains nutrients necessary for nourishing and proper functioning of the body. It is important to understand well the food we put into our mouths because it determines our health and wellbeing. The food we eat contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins…

Food Preference Identifies Identity

Essay Prompt: Although food variations can be found anywhere in the world whether it is local or adopted; that people are liking food regardless of their roots and preferences; those food varieties these days are being adopted and reformulated from culture to culture, food variation identifies the individual’s culture.  

Please watch the documentary “Food Chains”. Literature & Language

Essay Prompt: Food Chains is a documentary that was produced by Eva Longoria on November 24, 2014. This documentary reveals how farmworkers in the United States are abused by the multibillion-dollar supermarkets and food industries

Essay Prompt: Food wastage refers to the loss of unconsumed food. Food wastage occurs in various stages, such as production, processing, distribution, retail, and consumption. Conversely, food loss refers to the removal of food intended for consumption from the food chain. In most cases, food that ends up.

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics About Food

The topic is fast Food and health

Essay Prompt: Fast food refers to types of foods that are prepared within a short time before they are served. They are relatively cheaper than ordinary food cooked in homes. In most restaurants, fast foods are readily available and one does not need time to wait for it to be prepared.  

Food Security and Reasons Why LDCs Are Food-Deficit Countries

Essay Prompt: Food security entails the availability of adequate, nutritious, sufficient, and safe food that enable people to maintain their health and have active lives. In particular, food security comprises of three primary elements, namely availability, access, and utilization. (Argumentative Essay Topics About Food)

The Slow Food Movement will improve the Condition of the Environment

Essay Prompt: The slow food movement has been popularized due to the positive effects that it has on the environment. The movement supports the consumption of locally manufactured food instead of imported foods, which ultimately cuts the use of fossil fuel in the transportation of food.

The Concept of Right to Food, Justice, and Sovereignty and the Food Insecurity

Essay Prompt: From the video, key concepts discussed are the right to food, justice, and sovereignty. Every human being has a right to food, which involves the right to have adequate food which is correspondent to their cultural tradition, as well as enhance physical and mental status for a dignified and fulfilling life.

Here are additional  60+ Top And Best Argumentative Essay Topics For Different Contexts

Food Policy and Public Health’s Impacts on Mexican Food System

Essay Prompt: Food policy and public health are always a major concern to different countries across the globe. Food policy is the way a government manages and regulates the food system and industry, the laws governing the trading of food products and inputs.

Food History. Could slow Food be the best choice for producing Food for humanity?

Essay Prompt: Slow Food mainly seeks to attain the goal of producing food that is good, clean, and fair. Additionally, it also seeks to continue feeding the world without necessarily harming the environment. Unique Argumentative Essay Topics About Food.

Find out more on  Argumentative Essay Topics About Social Media [Updated]

Reflection on the Lecture About Food Justice

Essay Prompt: This lecture explores diverse concepts, with food justice attracting significant attention. Food justice ensures that everybody acquires access to nutritional and affordable food, not forgetting the safety of those involved in food production.

Research Paper Topics on Food

Cause and Effect Eating out at Fast Food

Essay Prompt: Fast food was made famous in the 1950s through Mc Donald’s company. The industry has been growing vast in the past years. This has been a result of the high demand from customers and improvements in the products and services.

Facts Impacting Food Choices

Essay Prompt: The state of human health is predominantly a faction of food choices that an individual makes every day. My daily food choices are mostly affected by cultural influences, time, and cost. My cultural background affects my daily food choices.

How Food Affects Human Health

Essay Prompt: Currently, the numbers of teenagers with poor eating habits have drastically improved as the sizes of fast-food restaurants also increase. Specifically, the issue has been observed in the US where several new fast-food businesses continue to emerge which produce unhealthy food products.

Global Food Politics

Essay Prompt: After viewing the week eight lecture recording, different key concepts can be unpacked from the discussion, such as student overall essay performance, global food politics, and diabetics. Global food politics is one of the critical concepts that caught my attention.

Traceability, Suitability, and Regenerative Agriculture in Food Supply Chain

Essay Prompt: The Food Industry plays a significant part in providing fundamental necessities and essentials with which diverse human behaviors and activities are given. When food is harvested or manufactured, it must go through several processes.

How can Food supply chains prepare for the future in terms of traceability, suitability, and regenerative agriculture?

Food Insecurity and the Strategies for Solving It

Essay Prompt: A key concept that was clarified in the Zoom Lecture is food insecurity. Food insecurity is an issue that faces a significant number of households globally. During the pandemic, many people experienced food insecurity.

Eating Unhealthily and Our Expectations in How Others Eat

Essay Prompt: Is It Ethical to Eat Unhealthily? People’s food intake comprises the food systems, which are composed of elements such as the workforce, infrastructures, environment, institutions, and other activities associated with food.

How should a developing country improve its Food security? Select a single developing country to consider?

Essay Prompt: Food is critical to human sustenance. Through mankind’s journey, food has been front and center of major events including wars, social rituals, worship and child-bearing.

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Should Ban or Limit GMO Food

Essay Prompt: In the recent years, the GMO foods have flooded the consumer market with over 30,000 different food products.

Global Food Politics: The Food System

Essay Prompt: The movement of people across Mexico and the USA has been on the rise in recent years. There have been several cases of undocumented migration. According to the zoom meeting lecture, the policies put on the line to prevent the undocumented migration of people have not been effective.

Pros of a Single Food Agency

Essay Prompt: Master’s level Essay: Pros of a Single Food Agency: What are some of the pros and cons of creating a single food agency?

Food Industry’s System Structure and Misaligned Interests with Public Health

Essay Prompt: The food industry has introduced a fierce competition for consumers’ money through aggressive advertising efforts and their display of products on supermarket shelves. The fierce competition imposes poor diets worldwide, characterized by immense consumption of ultra-processed packaged food products manufactured.

Why People Work to Reduce Food Wastage?

Essay Prompt: The primary reason why people work to reduce food wastage is because of hunger and saving the resources used to produce food; for example, 28 percent of global land coverage is used for producing food, which eventually goes to waste. Not everybody can afford to buy food from the supermarket, and the grocery.

Is GMO Food safe? They are more nutritious. FDA has approved GMO Foods

Essay Prompt: The safety of GMO foods has sparked heated debates and, in many countries, there is legislation on their consumption. The proponents of GMO foods assert that they cannot be dismissed as categorically harmful….

Write a topic About Food that affects health. Is GMO Food safe?…

The Relationship Between Overproduction and Hunger with the Commodification of Food

Essay Prompt: A commodity is a primary resource utilized as a raw material in manufacturing goods and services. Coffee, beans, and wheat are just a few examples of commodities. The transformation of resources and services into commodities is a significant factor influencing all cultures.

You can also check out  150+ Top-Notch Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Identifying the Meaning of Organic

Essay Prompt: Organic implies that the food or agricultural products meet quality standards without the use of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Fruits, vegetables, grains, and even meat can be produced organically but is mostly the food crops than meat…

College Students Who Go Full Time to School Should Be Able to Get Free Food

Essay Prompt: While in high school, many students yearn for the opportunity to complete their studies and join college little do they know what one goes through in college. College comes with huge expenses and it may be costlier for those who reside in the campus.

Food Symbolism in Society

Essay Prompt: Research on food thrives, from the history of contradictory types of charge to the relationship between provisioning and values, gender responsibilities, and eating maladies.

Raw Fresh Foods versus Cooked Processed Foods: Which is better for the Body?

Essay Prompt: The irony that while most people agree that raw fresh foods are better for the body and yet most people also eat more processed food than fresh food.

Here’s a sample argumentative essay outline you can use for your food essay

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My Favorite Food Essay

500 words essay on my favorite food.

In order to perform well in life, our body needs energy. We get this energy from the food we eat. Without food, there will be no life. In today’s world, there are so many dishes available worldwide. Food comes in a wide variety all around the world. Dosa, Paneer, Naan, Chapati, Biryani, and more Indian delicacies are available. We are also offered western cuisines such as noodles, pasta, burgers, fries, pizzas and more dominating the food industry. In my favourite food essay, I will tell you about the food I like eating the most.

My Favorite Food

As the world is advancing day by day, it is becoming easier to get access to many kinds of food at our doorstep. Every day, we all want to consume great and delicious cuisine. There are many different varieties of food accessible all throughout the world. We all like different foods, however, my personal favourite is burgers. I have eaten many cuisines but my favourite food is definitely a burger. I cannot resist myself when it comes to burgers.

Burgers are one of the most convenient and easiest foods to eat on the fly when we’re in a hurry. We can have a burger at any time of day, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or supper, and maybe some fries and a Coke to go with it. Many restaurants are well-known for making their speciality burgers in a particular style. Preparation changes from one establishment to the next. But what exactly makes a burger taste so good? They will taste vary depending on where you go, but they are all built the same. It is made up of a bun, a ground meat patty, and various toppings like cheese, onion slices, lettuce, and other sauces.

They are so soft yet crunchy, fresh and juicy that I love eating them. Even though there are many kinds of burgers, my favourite one is a chicken burger. The chicken patty gives the burger a juicy taste and it tingles my taste buds every time I eat it. I can already smell and taste it in my mouth as soon as I walked inside McDonald’s or any other restaurant that serves chicken burgers. As soon as I take a huge mouthful of it, I forget about any problems or troubles that are going on in the outer world and concentrate my entire concentration just on my chicken burger.

I love eating a burger which is filled with cheese and vegetables . The more vegetables you add, the better it tastes. My personal favourite is lettuce. It gives the burger the right amount of freshness and crunchiness.

I always eat my burger with ketchup. Most importantly, the thing I love about eating burgers is that I get to eat French fries along with them. They work as a great side to the dish and also make my stomach full.

Even though I liked eating a burger from a famous fast food joint, nothing beats the chicken burger my mother makes at home. She prepares everything from scratch, even the burger. Thus, it is extremely fresh and healthy too.

I know and feel that burgers have the great flavour and taste that would make anyone’s stomach pleased after a long day of work. I can tell by the reactions on people’s faces when they order their preferred burger variant. Overall, I don’t believe any other fast food will taste as good as a chicken burger. It’s just difficult to think that something will triumph in the future. As a result, I consider my favourite dish to be the best ever created.

A Great Variety

Perhaps the great thing about burgers is the great variety they offer. It has options for all people, who prefer vegetarian, non-vegetarian and even vegans. Thus, you can select the patty of your burger and dive right in.

There are a large number of burger joints being started in every corner of the city, each serving a variety of their own specialised and self-curated recipes. Burgers that are health-friendly and a go-to with a diet are also being introduced by these newly upcoming burger places. There are a lot many burger cafes that give their customers the choice to create their own burgers by providing them with a choice between patties, fillings, veggies, sauces as well as the number of burger layers they want.

Even though my personal favourite is a chicken burger, I also enjoy eating cheeseburgers and vegetable burgers. For me, all burgers taste delicious. Whenever we go out to eat with friends , I always order a burger.

My friends who do not eat non-vegetarian also eat burgers thanks to the great variety it offers. When we order food at home, we make sure to offer all kinds of burgers from cheeseburgers to chicken burgers, so that we get a taste of everything in our meal. Thus, I love burgers and their great variety makes it better.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of My Favorite Food Essay

Even though my favourite food is a burger, I enjoy other foods as well like Pizza and Pasta. However, I feel when it comes to eating daily, nothing beats homemade food. The food we eat daily is what helps us gain energy. We cannot eat our favourite food daily as it will become boring then, but our staple food is something we enjoy eating on an everyday basis.

FAQ of My Favorite Food Essay

Question 1: Why do we need food?

Answer 1: We need food because it provides nutrients, energy for activity, growth. Similarly, all functions of the body like breathing, digesting food, and keeping warm are made possible because of food. It also helps in keeping our immune system healthy.

Question 2: Should you eat your favourite food all the time?

Answer 2: No, never. Favourite foods are meant to be enjoyed when there is any special occasion, or when you are tired of your regular homemade food. Eating too much of your favourite food will make your taste buds adjust to it and eventually, it will not remain our favourite. Excess of anything is bad and the same goes for our favourite food. Thus, we must eat it occasionally so that it remains our favourite.

Question 3: Is fast food healthy? Should we not consume fast food at all?

Answer 3: Fast food is often high in calories, sodium, and harmful fat, with one meal frequently providing enough for a whole day. It is also deficient in nutrients and nearly devoid of fruit, vegetables, and fibre. That doesn’t mean you should completely avoid fast food. It is feasible to eat fast food without jeopardising your healthy diet. Take advantage of the nutritious side dishes available at many fast-food places. Look for meals that include lean proteins, vegetables, and fibre, and avoid anything that is supersized.

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• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

• Catch your reader’s attention.
• Give background on your topic.
• Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

• Braille was an extremely important invention.
• The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

• The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
• The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

• Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
• Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Cite this Scribbr article

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McCombes, S. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/introduction/

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Food Insecurity and What We Can Do to Help Essay (Speech)

• General Purpose: To persuade
• Specific Purpose: To persuade listeners that the food insecurity issue is severe and that everyone can contribute to its solution.
• Time: ~ 8 min.

Introduction

• Imagine a day when you have little strength and energy – you feel weakness and soreness – the feelings are rather unpleasant. Now imagine that you feel this discomfort and lack of strength every day.
• In a world where for many people, any food is within walking distance and abundantly presented on supermarket shelves, it is easy to forget how many people are still starving. Moreover, hunger in its usual understanding of lack of food is only part of the problem. Some families are forced to choose cheap and low-quality food, only worsening their health. This problem usually intersects with others – frequent diseases and chronic conditions, high medical expenses, moral oppression, and similar issues.
• Tie to the audience: This is not just a problem on remote continents about which reporters talk. People suffering from food insecurity can live in your community. Moreover, an irresponsible attitude and nature can lead to consequences for each of us.
• Thesis Statement: The problem of food insecurity today is not in the amount of food but its availability. It affects people’s life quality and social development, but there are several measures that each of us can take.
• Thus, I want to talk to you today about the very problem of food insecurity, its causes and consequences, and what individuals can do to help.

[Transition into the body of speech: I will begin with what is food security and insecurity and why it is so important.].

• Description of Problem: Food insecurity is “a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life” ( What is Food Insecurity? para. 2). Although the problem is closely related to hunger, this is a different concept since hunger refers to physical sensations, and insecurity refers to the lack of available resources and does not always imply hunger. Another phenomenon that helps to understand the problem better is food swamp – areas in which unhealthy food, such as fast food, is more accessible and common than a healthy one (Caspi para. 17).
• Besides the daily feeling of hunger or weakness, food insecurity negatively affects physical and mental health and development, especially in children.
• People experiencing food insecurity are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure problems, anemia, and similar issues ( Compromises and Coping Strategies para. 5). Without enough energy and health, they cannot improve their life quality.
• Example, Narrative, or Testimony: Quality food is an essential condition for maintaining a person’s intellectual and physical abilities.
• Extent of Problem: Some households often have a difficult choice between quality food and other vital needs.
• According to the United Nations, the number of people suffering from the problem in the world reaches 690 million inhabitants, or almost 9% ( Goal 2: Zero Hunger para. 1).
• In America, one in nine citizens experience food insecurity problems, equating to 37 million people, of which 11 million are children ( What is Food Insecurity? para. 1).
• More than 60% of American citizens facing food insecurity are forced to choose between food and utilities, healthcare, or transportation ( Compromises and Coping Strategies para 2). To save money, about 80% of affected people choose unhealthy food ( Compromises and Coping Strategies para. 4).
• At the same time, about 1.3 billion tonnes of food, a third of all food produced for people, is wasted every year (Depta para. 2).
• Who is Affected: Food insecurity can affect adults, children, people of different nationalities – all low-income citizens. It can be caused by economic instability, extreme weather events such as drought or flooding, armed conflicts, and similar problems ( Global Report on Food Crises 2021 para. 2-3).

Example/Narrative and/or Facts/Statistics: Nevertheless, the representation of the problem reflects the general picture of the population – African Americans and Hispanics suffer more (Caspi para. 14). Injustice is associated with general discriminatory practices and their consequences – difficulties accessing opportunities, lack of affordable housing, and other problems.

[Transition: As you can see, the reasons for food insecurity are deep, and states should devote part of their activities to its solution. However, each person can also take several measures to help improve the situation.]

Satisfaction

• How Solution Satisfies Need: A responsible attitude towards the environment will slow climate change, giving time to solve problems in the long term. Charity will have an effect in the short term, as it will provide the necessary resources to those who need them.
• How Solution can be Implemented: To take action, you need awareness of the problem and solutions and participation in charitable organizations’ work.
• Step 1 of Plan: Responsible attitude to the environment involves recycling, not pollution of nature, saving natural resources, and similar measures that everyone can learn.
• Step 2 of Plan: It is necessary to prevent the excessive purchase of food and its throwing out by planning meals and supporting local producers.
• Step 3 of Plan: Participation in charity can be different – volunteering or making donations. You only need to find suitable initiatives in your area using the Internet.

[Transition: Thus, you can start solving global problems with small steps but achieve great results.]

Visualization

• Describe Expected Results of Action: The more people learn about the problem and take action, the greater their effect. In particular, responsible food consumption and the purchase will reduce surplus production and use resources in less affluent areas. Taking care of the environment will also slow climate change. Finally, helping people get the nutrition necessary for a healthy life will improve the nation’s health and well-being.
• Describe Consequences of Inaction: If the problem is ignored, the number of people who do not receive the necessary nutrition will increase. Their oppressed condition will prevent them from showing their potential and talents and investing it in the development of society. Moreover, we contribute to inequality, discrimination, environmental degradation, and other related issues by ignoring the problem.

[Transition: In conclusion]

• Brakelight: In conclusion, as you see, the solution to global problems is the shared responsibility of each of us.
• Summary: I provided to you information about what food insecurity is, its danger, the reasons, and how to deal with it. The inaccessibility of quality food negatively affects people’s health and well-being and can be triggered by poverty, environmental disasters, inequality, and other causes.
• Tie Back to the Audience: Although it may seem that the responsibility lies with others – politicians, corporations, international organizations, everyone makes a choice – whether or not to help.
• Concluding Remarks:

CALL TO ACTION: I encourage you to be responsible in your lifestyle, help others and take care of your health.

Works Cited

Caspi, Caitlin. “What is Food Insecurity?” The Conversation , 2021, Web.

“Compromises and Coping Strategies.” Feeding America , Web.

Depta, Laura. “Global Food Waste and its Environmental Impact.” Reset , 2018, Web.

“Global Report on Food Crises 2021.” Reliefweb , 2021, Web.

“Goal 2: Zero Hunger.” United Nations , Web.

“What is Food Insecurity?” Hunger + Health , Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, August 25). Food Insecurity and What We Can Do to Help. https://ivypanda.com/essays/food-insecurity-persuasive-speech/

"Food Insecurity and What We Can Do to Help." IvyPanda , 25 Aug. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/food-insecurity-persuasive-speech/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Food Insecurity and What We Can Do to Help'. 25 August.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Food Insecurity and What We Can Do to Help." August 25, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/food-insecurity-persuasive-speech/.

1. IvyPanda . "Food Insecurity and What We Can Do to Help." August 25, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/food-insecurity-persuasive-speech/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Food Insecurity and What We Can Do to Help." August 25, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/food-insecurity-persuasive-speech/.

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The Philippines economy in 2024: Stronger for longer?

The Philippines ended 2023 on a high note, being the fastest growing economy across Southeast Asia with a growth rate of 5.6 percent—just shy of the government's target of 6.0 to 7.0 percent. 1 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024; "Philippine economic updates,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, November 16, 2023. Should projections hold, the Philippines is expected to, once again, show significant growth in 2024, demonstrating its resilience despite various global economic pressures (Exhibit 1). 2 “Economic forecast 2024,” International Monetary Fund, November 1, 2023; McKinsey analysis.

The growth in the Philippine economy in 2023 was driven by a resumption in commercial activities, public infrastructure spending, and growth in digital financial services. Most sectors grew, with transportation and storage (13 percent), construction (9 percent), and financial services (9 percent), performing the best (Exhibit 2). 3 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024. While the country's trade deficit narrowed in 2023, it remains elevated at $52 billion due to slowing global demand and geopolitical uncertainties. 4 “Highlights of the Philippine export and import statistics,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 28, 2024. Looking ahead to 2024, the current economic forecast for the Philippines projects a GDP growth of between 5 and 6 percent.

Inflation rates are expected to temper between 3.2 and 3.6 percent in 2024 after ending 2023 at 6.0 percent, above the 2.0 to 4.0 percent target range set by the government. 5 “Nomura downgrades Philippine 2024 growth forecast,” Nomura, September 11, 2023; “IMF raises Philippine growth rate forecast,” International Monetary Fund, July 16, 2023.

For the purposes of this article, most of the statistics used for our analysis have come from a common thread of sources. These include the Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas); the Department of Energy Philippines; the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP); and the Philippines Statistics Authority.

The state of the Philippine economy across seven major sectors and themes

In the article, we explore the 2024 outlook for seven key sectors and themes, what may affect each of them in the coming year, and what could potentially unlock continued growth.

Financial services

The recovery of the financial services sector appears on track as year-on-year growth rates stabilize. 6 Philippines Statistics Authority, November 2023; McKinsey in partnership with Oxford Economics, November 2023. In 2024, this sector will likely continue to grow, though at a slower pace of about 5 percent.

Financial inclusion and digitalization are contributing to growth in this sector in 2024, even if new challenges emerge. Various factors are expected to impact this sector:

• Inclusive finance: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas continues to invest in financial inclusion initiatives. For example, basic deposit accounts (BDAs) reached $22 million in 2023 and banking penetration improved, with the proportion of adults with formal bank accounts increasing from 29 percent in 2019 to 56 percent in 2021. 7 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024.
• Digital adoption: Digital channels are expected to continue to grow, with data showing that 60 percent of adults who have a mobile phone and internet access have done a digital financial transaction. 8 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024. Businesses in this sector, however, will need to remain vigilant in navigating cybersecurity and fraud risks.
• Unsecured lending growth: Growth in unsecured lending is expected to continue, but at a slower pace than the past two to three years. For example, unsecured retail lending for the banking system alone grew by 27 percent annually from 2020 to 2022. 9 “Loan accounts: As of first quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024; "Global banking pools,” McKinsey, November 2023. Businesses in this field are, however, expected to recalibrate their risk profiling models as segments with high nonperforming loans emerge.
• High interest rates: Key interest rates are expected to decline in the second half of 2024, creating more accommodating borrowing conditions that could boost wholesale and corporate loans.

Supportive frameworks have a pivotal role to play in unlocking growth in this sector to meet the ever-increasing demand from the financially underserved. For example, financial literacy programs and easier-to-access accounts—such as BDAs—are some measures that can help widen market access to financial services. Continued efforts are being made to build an open finance framework that could serve the needs of the unbanked population, as well as a unified credit scoring mechanism to increase the ability of historically under-financed segments, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access formal credit. 10 “BSP launches credit scoring model,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, April 26, 2023.

Energy and Power

The outlook for the energy sector seems positive, with the potential to grow by 7 percent in 2024 as the country focuses on renewable energy generation. 11 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts. Currently, stakeholders are focused on increasing energy security, particularly on importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet power plants’ requirements as production in one of the country’s main sources of natural gas, the Malampaya gas field, declines. 12 Myrna M. Velasco, “Malampaya gas field prod’n declines steeply in 2021,” Manila Bulletin , July 9, 2022. High global inflation and the fact that the Philippines is a net fuel importer are impacting electricity prices and the build-out of planned renewable energy projects. Recent regulatory moves to remove foreign ownership limits on exploration, development, and utilization of renewable energy resources could possibly accelerate growth in the country’s energy and power sector. 13 “RA 11659,” Department of Energy Philippines, June 8, 2023.

Gas, renewables, and transmission are potential growth drivers for the sector. Upgrading power grids so that they become more flexible and better able to cope with the intermittent electricity supply that comes with renewables will be critical as the sector pivots toward renewable energy. A recent coal moratorium may position natural gas as a transition fuel—this could stimulate exploration and production investments for new, indigenous natural gas fields, gas pipeline infrastructure, and LNG import terminal projects. 14 Philippine energy plan 2020–2040, Department of Energy Philippines, June 10, 2022; Power development plan 2020–2040 , Department of Energy Philippines, 2021. The increasing momentum of green energy auctions could facilitate the development of renewables at scale, as the country targets 35 percent share of renewables by 2030. 15 Power development plan 2020–2040 , 2022.

Growth in the healthcare industry may slow to 2.8 percent in 2024, while pharmaceuticals manufacturing is expected to rebound with 5.2 percent growth in 2024. 16 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Healthcare demand could grow, although the quality of care may be strained as the health worker shortage is projected to increase over the next five years. 17 McKinsey analysis. The supply-and-demand gap in nursing alone is forecast to reach a shortage of approximately 90,000 nurses by 2028. 18 McKinsey analysis. Another compounding factor straining healthcare is the higher than anticipated benefit utilization and rising healthcare costs, which, while helping to meet people's healthcare budgets, may continue to drive down profitability for health insurers.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are feeling varying effects of people becoming increasingly health conscious. Consumers are using more over the counter (OTC) medication and placing more beneficial value on organic health products, such as vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients, which could impact demand for prescription drugs. 19 “Consumer health in the Philippines 2023,” Euromonitor, October 2023.

Businesses operating in this field may end up benefiting from universal healthcare policies. If initiatives are implemented that integrate healthcare systems, rationalize copayments, attract and retain talent, and incentivize investments, they could potentially help to strengthen healthcare provision and quality.

Businesses may also need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of diverse health needs, digitization, and price controls. Digital and data transformations are being seen to facilitate improvements in healthcare delivery and access, with leading digital health apps getting more than one million downloads. 20 Google Play Store, September 27, 2023. Digitization may create an opportunity to develop healthcare ecosystems that unify touchpoints along the patient journey and provide offline-to-online care, as well as potentially realizing cost efficiencies.

Consumer and retail

Growth in the retail and wholesale trade and consumer goods sectors is projected to remain stable in 2024, at 4 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

Inflation, however, continues to put consumers under pressure. While inflation rates may fall—predicted to reach 4 percent in 2024—commodity prices may still remain elevated in the near term, a top concern for Filipinos. 21 “IMF raises Philippine growth forecast,” July 26, 2023; “Nomura downgrades Philippines 2024 growth forecast,” September 11, 2023. In response to challenging economic conditions, 92 percent of consumers have changed their shopping behaviors, and approximately 50 percent indicate that they are switching brands or retail providers in seek of promotions and better prices. 22 “Philippines consumer pulse survey, 2023,” McKinsey, November 2023.

Online shopping has become entrenched in Filipino consumers, as they find that they get access to a wider range of products, can compare prices more easily, and can shop with more convenience. For example, a McKinsey Philippines consumer sentiment survey in 2023 found that 80 percent of respondents, on average, use online and omnichannel to purchase footwear, toys, baby supplies, apparel, and accessories. To capture the opportunity that this shift in Filipino consumer preferences brings and to unlock growth in this sector, retail organizations could turn to omnichannel strategies to seamlessly integrate online and offline channels. Businesses may need to explore investments that increase resilience across the supply chain, alongside researching and developing new products that serve emerging consumer preferences, such as that for natural ingredients and sustainable sources.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a key contributor to the Philippine economy, contributing approximately 19 percent of GDP in 2022, employing about 7 percent of the country’s labor force, and growing in line with GDP at approximately 6 percent between 2023 and 2024. 23 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

Some changes could be seen in 2024 that might affect the sector moving forward. The focus toward building resilient supply chains and increasing self-sufficiency is growing. The Philippines also is likely to benefit from increasing regional trade, as well as the emerging trend of nearshoring or onshoring as countries seek to make their supply chains more resilient. With semiconductors driving approximately 45 percent of Philippine exports, the transfer of knowledge and technology, as well as the development of STEM capabilities, could help attract investments into the sector and increase the relevance of the country as a manufacturing hub. 24 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

To secure growth, public and private sector support could bolster investments in R&D and upskill the labor force. In addition, strategies to attract investment may be integral to the further development of supply chain infrastructure and manufacturing bases. Government programs to enable digital transformation and R&D, along with a strategic approach to upskilling the labor force, could help boost industry innovation in line with Industry 4.0 demand. 25 Industry 4.0 is also referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Priority products to which manufacturing industries could pivot include more complex, higher value chain electronic components in the semiconductor segment; generic OTC drugs and nature-based pharmaceuticals in the pharmaceutical sector; and, for green industries, products such as EVs, batteries, solar panels, and biomass production.

Information technology business process outsourcing

The information technology business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector is on track to reach its long-term targets, with $38 billion in forecast revenues in 2024. 26 Khriscielle Yalao, “WHF flexibility key to achieving growth targets—IBPAP,” Manila Bulletin , January 23, 2024. Emerging innovations in service delivery and work models are being observed, which could drive further growth in the sector.

The industry continues to outperform headcount and revenue targets, shaping its position as a country leader for employment and services. 27 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. Demand from global companies for offshoring is expected to increase, due to cost containment strategies and preference for Philippine IT-BPO providers. New work setups continue to emerge, ranging from remote-first to office-first, which could translate to potential net benefits. These include a 10 to 30 percent increase in employee retention; a three- to four-hour reduction in commute times; an increase in enabled talent of 350,000; and a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 1.4 to 1.5 million tons of CO 2 per year. 28 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. It is becoming increasingly more important that the IT-BPO sector adapts to new technologies as businesses begin to harness automation and generative AI (gen AI) to unlock productivity.

Talent and technology are clear areas where growth in this sector can be unlocked. The growing complexity of offshoring requirements necessitates building a proper talent hub to help bridge employee gaps and better match local talent to employers’ needs. Businesses in the industry could explore developing facilities and digital infrastructure to enable industry expansion outside the metros, especially in future “digital cities” nationwide. Introducing new service areas could capture latent demand from existing clients with evolving needs as well as unserved clients. BPO centers could explore the potential of offering higher-value services by cultivating technology-focused capabilities, such as using gen AI to unlock revenue, deliver sales excellence, and reduce general administrative costs.

Sustainability

The Philippines is considered to be the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change in the world as, due to its geographic location, the country has a higher risk of exposure to natural disasters, such as rising sea levels. 29 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021. Approximately $3.2 billion, on average, in economic loss could occur annually because of natural disasters over the next five decades, translating to up to 7 to 8 percent of the country’s nominal GDP. 30 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021.

The Philippines could capitalize on five green growth opportunities to operate in global value chains and catalyze growth for the nation:

• Renewable energy: The country could aim to generate 50 percent of its energy from renewables by 2040, building on its high renewable energy potential and the declining cost of producing renewable energy.
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing: More than a twofold increase in annual output from 2023 to 2030 could be achieved, enabled by lower production costs.
• Battery production: The Philippines could aim for a $1.5 billion domestic market by 2030, capitalizing on its vast nickel reserves (the second largest globally). 31 “MineSpans,” McKinsey, November 2023.
• Electric mobility: Electric vehicles could account for 15 percent of the country’s vehicle sales by 2030 (from less than 1 percent currently), driven by incentives, local distribution, and charging infrastructure. 32 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.
• Nature-based solutions: The country’s largely untapped total abatement potential could reach up to 200 to 300 metric tons of CO 2 , enabled by its biodiversity and strong demand.

The Philippine economy: Three scenarios for growth

Having grown faster than other economies in Southeast Asia in 2023 to end the year with 5.6 percent growth, the Philippines can expect a similarly healthy growth outlook for 2024. Based on our analysis, there are three potential scenarios for the country’s growth. 33 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Slower growth: The first scenario projects GDP growth of 4.8 percent if there are challenging conditions—such as declining trade and accelerated inflation—which could keep key policy rates high at about 6.5 percent and dampen private consumption, leading to slower long-term growth.

Soft landing: The second scenario projects GDP growth of 5.2 percent if inflation moderates and global conditions turn out to be largely favorable due to a stable investment environment and regional trade demand.

Accelerated growth: In the third scenario, GDP growth is projected to reach 6.1 percent if inflation slows and public policies accommodate aspects such as loosening key policy rates and offering incentive programs to boost productivity.

Focusing on factors that could unlock growth in its seven critical sectors and themes, while adapting to the macro-economic scenario that plays out, would allow the Philippines to materialize its growth potential in 2024 and take steps towards achieving longer-term, sustainable economic growth.

Jon Canto is a partner in McKinsey’s Manila office, where Frauke Renz is an associate partner, and Vicah Villanueva is a consultant.

The authors wish to thank Charlene Chua, Charlie del Rosario, Ryan delos Reyes, Debadrita Dhara, Evelyn C. Fong, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Frances Lee, Aaron Ong, and Liane Tan for their contributions to this article.

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