Pizza came to the US with Italian immigrants in the 19th Century, but soldiers returning from World War II were responsible for making it popular. They had learned to love it while they were stationed in Italy and sought it out in Italian neighborhoods after they returned.
In Italy there are laws defining pizza, which set allowances on the type of flour, tomato, mozzarella, olive oil, basil and oregano. Pizza as it was made originally can be nutritious and filling. Today it is sometimes considered junk food because of its high fat and sodium content. It can be healthy, though, when you make it yourself and choose healthy ingredients.
Classroom Activities:
- Pizza Ag Mag
- Pizza for Everyone
- Pizza Portions
- Pizza Plate
- AITC Pizza Recipes
- Exploring Planet Pizza (kit available from RI AITC)
- Pizz-a-thon (contact RI AITC for more information)