Food and water are essential to the preservation of life. Not only is it important for the maintenance of life, but food also plays an important role in the functions of society. From Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, food is an important part of the celebrations. Food and celebration have always brought generations of people together to enjoy each other's company. In our modern society, especially in the United States, we have an abundant supply of food. However, in today's society, as in previous centuries, there is a huge gap between wealth and poverty. Unfortunately, some people in both developed and developing countries live in poverty. This state of poverty leaves not only inadequate food, but also unsanitary and contaminated water and living conditions. Over the past centuries, the average lifespan has been shortened due to economic situations such as famine, starvation, infections, diseases and even death. In medieval times, food and feasting were great pastimes. The extent to which people of this period could appreciate the variety of food we enjoy today, as well as many other aspects of medieval life, depended on a person's wealth and social standing (Nimocks). The meal schedule was similar, including three meals. The schedule consisted of a small breakfast, a meal eaten around noon, and a final meal eaten later in the evening (Nimocks). However, people's diet during this era was largely determined by their status in society. The peasant's diet was somewhat nutritional by today's standards. A huge portion of their diet consisted of grains such as wheat, rye, oats, or barley (Singman 54). The grains were normally boiled to make a soup or stew. Bread made from unrefined flour was also eaten. To be drunk, the grains were malted in......middle of paper......y, Alixe. “Death.” THE BRITISH LIBRARY - Knowledge of the world. Internet. April 29, 2011. Dunnigan and Nofi. "Health." Homepage of the Hundred Years' War. Internet. April 29, 2011. .Empire, Zantin. "Black Death (pandemic) - Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Internet. April 29, 2011. .Finally, John. “Encyclopedia of Public Health.” eNotes - Literature study guides, lesson plans and more.Web. April 29, 2011. Nimocks, Aaron. “Medieval Period – Castles, Weapons, Torture Devices and History.” Medieval Period – Castles, Weapons, Torture Devices and History. Internet. April 29. 2011. .