Bite Sized Food Education

Bite Sized is a food educational campaign designed to help students become more comfortable in the kitchen and learn new lifelong skills and recipes. Through our content, we will help you understand how to effectively grocery shop and cook on a budget! To view this campaign on social media, check out our posts on Instagram @mcmasterswc.

September:

Kitchen Basics

Watch this YouTube video:  Learn knife skills with McMaster Chef Paul Hoag

McMaster Executive Chef Paul Hoag shares practical knife skills and kitchen safety techniques that can help make cooking safer and more enjoyable. From setting up your workspace to handling a knife safely and cutting vegetables that roll, you’ll learn tips that can help build confidence in the kitchen.

Safe Food Storage Practices

Proper food storage helps prevent food poisoning and reduces food waste! 

What is food safety? Food safety is the practice of handling, preparing, and storing food properly to: 

• Prevent contamination
• Reduce foodborne illness
• Keep food safe to eat 

What are high-risk foods? Foods that are more likely to grow harmful bacteria and cause foodborne illness because they are: 

• High in protein
• High in moisture
• Low in acidity

Examples of high-risk foods: 

• Milk
• Eggs and dairy
• Bean sprouts
• Seafood
• Meats and poultry
• Deli meat
• Cooked rice
• Pre-made salads
• Cooked food

Store food the right way. Don’t let leftovers sit out! 

• Refrigerate cooked food within 2 hours of cooking or serving.
• On hot days (above 32°C), refrigerate within 1 hour.
• Remember: “When in doubt, throw it out!” 

Why it matters: Room temperature is the danger zone where bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. 

Important tips:  

• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
• Keep raw and cooked food separate at all times
• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
• Leftovers stay safe to eat for 3-4 days in the fridge
• Label and date food in the fridge and freezer to keep track of when it was made.
• Use clear containers when possible so food is visible. 

October: Stay Tuned!