1. How did a Houston mother discover the reductions in quantity per package in many of her grocery items?

2. List the products that Mrs. Stauber found reduced in size or quantity and the amount of the reduction for each item, as well as other products with quantities/sizes that have been reduced, as referred to in this article.

3.  List the factors mentioned in the article which the reporter uses to explain why companies are reducing the quantity/size of their products.

CHALLENGE QUESTION: What frequently talked about price increase (just mentioned briefly in this article) is also contributing to the reductions companies are making so as to not decrease their profits?

4. Why do companies change size/amount per package as opposed to just raising the price of the product?

5. Some companies are promoting reduced amounts in their products by presenting them as being fresh, healthy, or environmentally friendly. (see para. 14-16) Discuss with a parent these strategies used by companies, as well as their attempts to hide the reduction in quantity per product. Ask your parent whether he/she would rather have companies increase prices, or reduce the amount per package and to explain his/her opinion.

6. Companies are in business to make money. If they face increased costs to produce their product, they will do what they can to avoid taking a loss.
a) What do you think of the practice of reducing the amount/quantity of items per package as a way to avoid losses to the company?
b) If you were a business owner, what would you do when faced with rising costs to produce your product? Explain your answer.

OPTIONAL: What are some of your favorite snack foods? Check to see whether packaging has been reduced. Share your finding with the class.