Introduction
Every day we make choices about what we eat. But do we really know where our food comes from? Some foods travel thousands of miles before reaching our plates, while others are grown and produced locally. In this Webquest you will explore the differences between local and global food sourcing and discover how these choices impact the environment, the economy and society.
Task
Through this WebQuest students will:
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Explore the concepts of local and global food sourcing and their key differences.
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Analyze benefits and challenges of both sourcing methods.
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Evaluate environmental, economic and social impacts linked to food production and distribution.
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Develop critical thinking skills by comparing sustainability aspects of local vs. global sourcing.
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Practice decision-making by formulating recommendations for sustainable consumer choices.
Process
Step 1 - Explore Definitions
Research the concepts of “local food sourcing” and “global food sourcing”.
Useful links:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/food-directories
https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impacts-of-food
https://localfoodeconomics.com/
Step 2 - Investigate Benefits and Challenges
Analyze the advantages and drawbacks of both systems. Consider aspects such as freshness, cost, variety, transportation and cultural exchange.
Step 3 - Assess Impacts
Look at the environmental impact (carbon footprint, food miles, sustainability), the economic impact (support for local farmers vs. global trade) and the social impact (community connections, cultural diversity).
Step 4 - Decide on Sustainability
Based on your findings, discuss which sourcing method is more sustainable in the long run. Provide arguments supported by research.
Step 5 - Create Recommendations
Develop clear, practical suggestions for consumers who want to make informed and sustainable food choices.
Step 6 - Share Your Work
Post your findings on the Padlet: https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/local-vs-global-food-sourcing-sacntm8xvpp3nawf. You may choose any format like a written summary, infographic, short video or digital poster.
Evaluation
Webquest evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb_CkVWCeOCB70m9D4ECSjCqEPINrpSqqGfCM9gBFMdRDbJg/viewform?usp=header
Students evaluation will be based on the following rubric
| Criteria | 1 - Beginning | 2 - Developing | 3 - Proficient | 4 - Accomplished | 5 - Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of Concepts | Shows little or no understanding of local and global food sourcing concepts. | Shows limited understanding; some inaccuracies or confusion. | Demonstrates an adequate understanding with mostly accurate descriptions. | Clearly explains both concepts with accurate details. | Provides a thorough and insightful explanation of both local and global food sourcing concepts. |
| Analysis of Benefits & Challenges | Benefits and challenges are missing or largely inaccurate. | Provides a basic analysis with limited examples. | Analyzes benefits and challenges with relevant examples for both sourcing methods. | Offers detailed analysis with clear examples and some depth. | Presents a comprehensive and nuanced analysis with well-supported examples for both methods. |
| Evaluation of Impacts | Environmental, economic, and social impacts are unclear or incorrect. | Identifies some impacts but lacks depth or accuracy. | Evaluates key impacts in each category with some supporting evidence. | Provides a detailed evaluation supported by research evidence. | Delivers an insightful, well-supported evaluation addressing all impact areas thoroughly. |
| Critical Thinking & Sustainability Comparison | Little to no comparison of sustainability aspects; unsupported or missing arguments. | Basic comparison; arguments are somewhat supported but lack depth. | Compares sustainability aspects with some supporting evidence. | Clearly compares sustainability, providing logical, supported arguments. | Demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking with compelling, well-researched sustainability comparisons. |
| Recommendations for Consumers | Recommendations are vague, impractical, or missing. | Recommendations are somewhat practical but lack clarity or support. | Provides practical recommendations supported by basic reasoning. | Develops clear, practical, and well-supported recommendations. | Creates insightful, actionable, and well-justified recommendations that reflect deep understanding. |
| Presentation & Sharing of Work | Work is incomplete or not shared; format is unclear or inappropriate. | Work is shared but lacks clarity or is poorly organized. | Work is shared clearly in an appropriate format with basic organization. | Work is well-organized, clear, and engaging in chosen format. | Work is exceptionally well-crafted, highly engaging, and effectively communicates findings in a polished format. |
Conclusion
By completing this WebQuest, you will have discovered how local and global food sourcing shapes what we eat and impacts the world around us, and reflect on how your daily food choices can promote sustainability and healthier communities.
Credits
Teacher Page
This WebQuest was edited by a teacher of Gymnázium Cyrila Daxnera vo Vranove nad Topľou, Slovakia, as part of the activities of the "Mediterranean Diet for Overall Health" (MedDiet4Health) Erasmus+ project (Project number: 2023-2-EL01-KA210-VET-000183592).
By completing this WebQuest students gain knowledge about local and global food sourcing while developing research and critical thinking skills. At the same time, they cultivate important qualities such as responsibility, cultural awareness and environmental sensitivity. By sharing their work, they also strengthen creativity and digital literacy, preparing them for future careers in food, health and sustainability fields.
This WebQuest reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission’s support for the production of this WebQuest does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.