Chapter 6: Food

Lily: "Keep it clean, keep it dry, share it fair!"

Food gives Rangers energy. Clean food, dry storage and fair sharing keep the whole crew strong.

What Rangers know

• Five keys to safe food (our words): keep hands and food clean, keep raw and cooked food apart, a grown-up cooks it all the way through, keep food at a safe temperature, and use safe water.
• Staples that last. Rice, beans, lentils, oats, flour, salt and oil keep for a long time. Grains plus beans together make a strong meal.
• Keep dry food safe. Sealed, dry, off the ground and away from bugs and mice.
• Is it spoiled? A bad smell, mould, or a can that bulges or leaks means don't eat it. Tell a grown-up and throw it away.
• Ration and share. Plan small portions so food lasts, and share fairly. Bring a little extra for someone new.
• Food lines. Wait patiently, keep the ration card safe and be polite.
• Cooking is a grown-up's job. Rangers help by washing, sorting and soaking beans, never at the fire.
• Hungry signs. Very thin arms, swollen feet or no energy means tell a grown-up; the health tent can help.
• Nature's food is look, don't eat. Never eat wild berries, mushrooms or plants unless a trusted grown-up says they are safe.

Ranger checklist

• ☐ I wash my hands before food.
• ☐ I can name three foods that last.
• ☐ I can spot spoiled food and tell.
• ☐ I keep dry food sealed and off the ground.
• ☐ I share fairly.
• ☐ I never eat wild plants unless a trusted grown-up says so.
• ☐ I stay away from the cooking fire.

Earn your badge (Food; Badge_Matrix.csv)

Watch and learn

Planned Food arc: Staples That Last · Keep Dry Food Safe · Ration and Share · Cook With Less Fuel (⚠️ expert review) · Don't Waste Food · Is It Spoiled? · Clean Water, Clean Food · The Food Line · Go Bag #GB1 (snack that won't spoil)

Grown-up note

Follow local food-aid guidance. Pot-in-a-blanket ("retained heat") cooking is adult-only and still needs an expert review.