Honors in Action Possible Project Theme 6: Food Fight Competition and Food What are the relationships between competition and food?

1. Food Fight!
Competition and Food
By Sean D. Millet
Vice President of Fellowship

2. Comfort Foods

3. Question #3(a) - What do we mean by the term “comfort foods”?
Comfort foods are specific items that we hold more dear than others. For example, one
might be under stress, and turn to cheese cake for a sort of “warm blanket.” The
reasons for our choices can vary from religion and upbringing, a pleasant memory
associated with a particular meal (eg. Mom), or can even be influenced by what
resources are available (eg. ingredients). (Pollick, and Harris)

4. Question #3(b) - How did these comfort foods become
prevalent in your region or group?
What makes the comfort foods prevalent in
a region or group has to do with religion
and culture. Most members of a particular
group are raised somewhat similarly and
acquire a special taste for a type of food.
This could be due to resources also. What
makes it comforting is the special bond
formed with that type of food. (Waibel)

5. Question #5(a) -To what extent does food reflect
competition and/or collaboration?
Food is used in many ways, to make a profit, to
feed yourself and family, or as a sport. It could be
competitive because if there are several
restaurants on a block (especially if the food is of
the same type), then obviously there is
competition for business. An example of
collaboration would be a family helping mom
prepare dinner.

6. Question #5(b) - Why do some popular foods from particular
cultures engender disgust or fear in other cultures?
Because people are different, a
dish someone likes may not
agree with another person. This
could be due to personal taste,
religion, and/or upbringing. An
example of religion would be
someone who is Jewish. While a
Christian might be fine with
eating a cheeseburger, an
Orthodox Jew would not. (Rich)

7. Question #5(c) - Why are other foods popular
throughout the world?
Many foods can be popular throughout the world because of trade. Also, some of the
same ingredients are used throughout numerous cultures, just prepared differently.
Therefore, these items would be accepted in many regions.

8. Question #7 - Why have shows such as Cake Boss, celebrities like
Anthony Bourdain and Cat Cora, food competitions, and networks
such as The Food Network become so popular in recent years?
As technology has become more advanced, television has been made more attractive
and therefore, more popular. The Food Network is no exception. These shows have
become more educational, entertaining, and accessible than ever before.

9. Works Cited
Waibel, Ruth. "Religion and Dietary Practices." faqs.org. Advameg, Inc., n.d. Web. 18
Jun 2012. <http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Pre-Sma/Religion-and-Dietary-
Practices.html>.
Rich, Tracey. "Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws." Judaism 101. Judaism 101, n.d. Web. 18
Jun 2012. <http://www.jewfaq.org/kashrut.htm>.
Pollick, Michael, and Bronwyn Harris, eds. "What are Comfort Foods?." Wise Geek.
Conjecture Corporation, 28 February 2012. Web. 18 Jun 2012.
<http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-comfort-foods.htm>.