Food is an important part of culture. Traditional cuisine is passed down from one generation to the next. It also operates as an expression of cultural identity. Through this lesson participants gained knowledge of culture and how it is reflected through food by understanding culture, how our ancestry helps to define our food, how our location helps to define our food, how various international cuisines came to our country, and how different cooking techniques involved in international cuisine

The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught this lesson in 4 counties to 46 Purchase Area Homemakers. Of the 46 program attendees, 86% said they gained knowledge prior to this program the cultural influences food plays in our everyday lives. 92% increased their knowledge of the cultural influences on food has. 82% of the participants increased in knowledge of the spices used in ethnic foods. 96% of the participants said they intend to use one or more ideas or tips learned from the lesson. 98% gained knowledge of the cultural diversity of food from this lesson.