Menu for the Future
food, food and sustainability, food choices, sustainable food choices, sustainable agriculture, industrial agriculture, local food, locavore, food and health, food and culture, food systems, food communities, creating food communities
Menu for the Future is a six-session discussion course book exploring the connection between food and sustainability.
"Food is our common ground, our universal experience."
-- James Beard
Discussion Course Goals:
• To explore food systems and their impacts on culture, society and ecological systems.
• To gain insight into agricultural and individual practices that promote personal and ecological well-being.
• To consider your role in creating or supporting sustainable food systems.
Topics Covered:
1. What's Eating America: Given the array of food choices and advice, eating in modern industrial society can be wrought with confusion, contradictions and anxiety. Session One considers the effects of modern industrial eating habits on culture, society and ecological systems.
2. Anonymous Food: Session Two traces the historical shift from family farms to industrial agriculture to present day questions surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMO) and industrial organics. The session examines the ecological and economic impacts that have accompanied the changes in how we grow and prepare food.
3. Farming for the Future: Session Three explores emerging food system alternatives, highlighting sustainable growing practices and the benefits of small farms and urban food production. The session considers how individuals can make choices that lead to a more sustainable food supply.
4. You Are What You Eat: Session Four explores food systems from a human health perspective. The session considers the influences that shape our choices and food policies from the fields to Capitol Hill, and the implications for our health and well-being.
5. Toward a Just Food System: The readings in Session Five examine issues of hunger, equity, and Fair Trade. The session considers the role that governments, communities and individuals can play in addressing these issues to create a more just food system.
6. Choices for Change: Individuals and communities are discovering the benefits of choosing local, seasonal and sustainably grown and produced foods. Session Six offers inspiration and practical advice in taking steps to create more sustainable food systems.
Click here to learn about Menu for the Future and Bringing Farmers to the Table in Port Townsend, WA
INGREDIENTS: A feature-length documentary film, illustrating what is good about food in America. Narrated by Bebe Neuwirth, the film takes us across the United States; from urban food deserts to heavily diversified farms to the kitchens of celebrated American chefs. Click here for more information
More Resources:
Menu for the Future Course Description Flyer
Check out WhyHunger.org. WhyHunger works end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment.
*This course contains an optional seventh session Celebration where participants can explore follow up actions.
