Before the meeting:
- Become familiar with the concept of food deserts by visiting the USDA Food Access Research Atlas and become familiar with the information on the website.
- Familiarize yourself with the names and locations of nearby grocery stores, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants.
- Print Food Desert or Oasis worksheet, one for each Cub Scout.
- Set up meeting space for Cub Scouts to be able to work using their computer or smart device.
After the meeting:
- Share with Cub Scouts that areas with greater access to grocery stores, and affordable and nutritious food are called a food oasis.
- Tell Cub Scouts today they will be finding out where food is available in their community and determine if their community is a food oasis.
- Pass out the Food Desert or Oasis worksheets and pencils. Ask Cub Scouts to buddy up.
- Using their computers and smart devices, Cub Scouts are to fill in the chart on the worksheet. Use devices to measure distances from store to home.
- When Cub Scouts have finished, lead a discussion. Example questions:
- Would you characterize your community as a food oasis? Why or why not?
- Where are the closest grocery stores? Are they easy to get to by car or bus?
- Where do you purchase most of your food?
- Where is it cheapest to purchase food? Is there a wide variety of nutritious food available?
Tip: Combine this with requirement 3 activity Am I a Food Desert?
