Religion

=**Religion**= The religion practiced by a family influences what they eat and when. Some areas are very "homogenous" - most people share the same religious beliefs and practices. //Ex.// Muslim nations of the Middle East

Other areas, like the US, are "heterogenous" - people in all regions embrace a multitude of religious beliefs and practices.

//Examples:// Hindus abstain from eating beef Muslims and Jews abstain from eating pork Jews follow kosher, which means suitable, food laws Catholics observe a season of sacrifice, known as lent, before celebrating Easter

All religions celebrate various holidays and festivals as well as various times of fasting.

When I was in high school, a lot of people in my town were Catholic and couldn't eat meat on Fridays during lent. At our school, which was a public school, we never had meat in the cafeteria on Fridays for this reason. They always served fish sticks on Fridays. Even though my family is not Catholic, this influenced the foods available to me at lunch.
 * Personal Example:**

//Think about your own experience. Is there a time when your beliefs, or the beliefs of others around you have influenced your food choices or the foods availability? Share your experience on the handout.//


 * @Economics**