Feeding the Family

From "American Cookery Magazine"

Published in 1921

"FEEDING-THE-FAMILY" CLUB

Women are waking up to the fact that upon their shoulders rests the responsibility of having a healthier nation. Too many people are dying of avoidable diseases. Dietitians tell us that rich foods have taken more toll of life than war and epidemics. More and more stress is being placed upon diet—not for the sick only, but for those in good health, so that they may preserve it. By diet we mean the proper combinations of foods and the scientific uses of vitamins, starches, proteins and acids. What we need is more than a casual knowledge those subjects.

A certain group of women in Long Beach, California, have decided that the gaining of knowledge concerning food is the only way to a better living for their families. They have grouped together under the name of the "Feeding-the-Family" Club. They meet on Wednesday evening each week for two hours to learn how to prepare healthful, nourishing meals for the average family. There are sixteen women in the group, representing fifty-six persons, most of whom are children in school. Think what it means to those children to have mothers who are vitally interested in seeing them grow up to be strong, virile men and women. "Knowledge makes Power," yes, the knowledge of the mothers of today makes for the powerful citizens of tomorrow.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1) Which of the following is the main idea that summarizes the 1^st paragraph of the above passage?

a. Women are in charge of the health of the nation.

b. Having a healthy diet is key to staying in good health.

c. Too many people are dying of various diseases.

d. Monitoring your diet is a new concept for most people.

2) The above passage gives which reason for sticking to a good diet, even when you are not sick?

a. it helps you be more attractive

b. it helps you remain healthy

c. it helps you become wiser

d. it helps you save money

3) The opening sentence of the above passage uses the phrase “…upon their shoulders.” This is an example of an idiom, which can also be described as which of these?

a. a common expression

b. a mixed metaphor

c. a kind euphemism

d. an indefinite pronoun

4) The 2^nd paragraph of the above passage refers to "mothers who are vitally interested..." In the context, the word "vitally" means which of the following?

a. casually

b. angrily

c. intelligently

d. extremely

5) The author of the above passage uses which tone when speaking about the women of the "Feeding-the-Family" club?

a. respect

b. resentment

c. remorse

d. rage

6) The above passage appeared in a magazine in the 1920s. It most likely appeared in which section of the magazine?

a. "Religious Ceremonies"

b. "Worldwide Politics"

c. "Noteworthy Organizations"

d. "Humorous Stories"

Answer Key