Question 18

Locally grown foods are more nutritional than store-bought foods.

The author claims that locally grown foods provide greater nutritional value compared to store-bought options, emphasizing that these fruits and vegetables are fresher and consumed shortly after harvest, thereby retaining more of their vitamins.

A) Buying fruits and vegetables directly from farmers is reassuring.

While the author expresses that purchasing directly from farmers is reassuring, this statement is more of an opinion rather than a claim supported by evidence. The text does not provide specific evidence that directly supports the reassurance felt by consumers when buying from farmers.

B) Consumers should have many choices about food.

This statement reflects the author's perspective on consumer choice but is not supported by specific evidence in the text. The discussion revolves around the benefits of local foods rather than providing evidence for the necessity of having choices.

C) Huge farming enterprises have the technology to grow seasonal foods all year.

The author mentions that large farming enterprises have such technology, but this is presented more as an observation rather than a claim that is supported by evidence. The text does not delve into the implications or benefits of this technology, making this option less relevant to the author's argument.

D) Locally grown foods are more nutritional than store-bought foods.

This claim is supported by evidence in the text, particularly in the discussion about how locally grown produce is generally fresher and consumed shortly after harvest, which preserves its nutritional value. The author cites reports indicating that vitamins in produce begin to lose potency once picked, contrasting this with the longer time produce spends in warehouses before reaching grocery stores.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, is definitively supported by evidence in the text, highlighting the nutritional advantages of locally grown foods. Other options either present opinions without supporting evidence or state facts that do not align closely with the central argument regarding nutrition. Thus, D stands out as the only claim substantiated by the evidence provided.