“Land Grabs” occur when affluent countries “invest” in land of developing countries to help ensure food security, jobs, and technological advancement. However, who actually benefits from these investment opportunities? Affluent countries who are invading the territory receive the benefits of land for agriculture, oil, development, and in some cases additional water. After the land is possessed, in many cases, local… Read more »
Practical and realistic changes have stood out as “aha moments” because it offers a way to contribute to better uses of food. Whether this is through the conservation of water, gardening approaches, food shopping, or being informed of large company practices (i.e. Pepsi Co.) I am able to make better choices for my family and play a broader role in… Read more »
Vertical farming is an innovative way to garden and conserve water. By stacking multiple “shelves” of vegetation, one can reuse water as it drains from one raised bed to another. This format of farming is an effective way to produce lettuce, kale, and other greens. It is also an effective way to contribute to water conservation because as each “shelf”… Read more »
The world food system is complex, intricate, and interacts with many factors (i.e. political, environmental, climate, etc.). It isn’t a simple solution to provide equitable food for all. One underlying theme throughout the past lessons is desire for power. Affluent countries hold a lot of power because of their access to advanced technology, ability to produce agriculture, and access to… Read more »
The access to food greatly differs between families in Great Britain and Guatemala. Affluent countries like Great Britain have access to a variety of food that is not native to the area. For instance, in the photo of the Bainton family, there was processed food, chocolate, avocado, and bananas. Since these foods aren’t produced in Great Britain, I was informed… Read more »
As someone who enjoys cooking, it is easy to get inspired to try new dishes, come up with new combinations, and try exotic food (i.e. tropical fruits, “strange” vegetables, new meats, etc.). Eating seasonally and locally can be a challenge when one is inspired to cook. Whether I am following a recipe or making one up as I go, cooking… Read more »
Small farming communities in developing nations struggle to survive in a global system built around cheap food. Farmers are competing against large “corporate” farms who have the ability to spend more, can sell production at a lower cost, and have access to technological resources. Systems, such as the government, influence the production, marketing, and success of small farms. For instance,… Read more »
When I think of experiences that stand out above the rest it includes: family or close friends, sometimes an activity, but the consistent element is almost always food. Michael Pollan explains in his book, In Defense of Food, that food in America can be seen as an item on our to-do list that needs to be checked off. However, in… Read more »