Interpreting the Evidence
Spanish American Bodega, New York City, n.d.
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Document Description
Photograph of the exterior of a Spanish-American grocery, n.d.
Historical Context
A bodega, or bodeguita, is a convenience store specializing in Latino groceries. A bodega may sell a number of items, including fruits, vegetables, meats, traditional fare, and household convenience items. The rapidly expanding Hispanic population in the United States has caused bodegas and other stores specializing in Hispanic cuisine to increase in popularity. Due to the family structure and ties typical in Hispanic cultures, Hispanics have influenced the grocery markets with their purchasing power.
Essential Question
In what ways do businesses reflect culture?
Check for Understanding
Describe the scene in the photograph and explain the role of groceries in a community.
Historical Challenges
Compare the bodega to the convenience stores of today. Why do they remain in business with competition from large chain stores such as Wal-Mart?
Find out the translation of the word bodega. Find a photograph of a bodega that is in business today.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Home and Career: Create on paper or in your kitchen a traditional Latino meal. Choose a menu item and design an advertisement for it. Include a recipe.
Math: Rafael bought one pound of black beans at $0.40/pound, seven vegetables at three for $1.00, and a bunch of fresh cilantro for $0.99. How much did he spend? How much change did he receive back from a twenty dollar bill?