uep 306: food and the environment
TRANSCRIPT
1
UEP 306: FOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Course Topic: FOOD JUSTICE
Spring 2013
T/TH 1:30-2:55pm
UEP Conference Room
Instructor: Zoë Phillips, MS, MPH, CHES
Office Hours: TH 3:00-5:00pm in UEP offices (or by appointment)
Email: [email protected]
COURSE OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES
Food issues are among the most contested and significant issues today. Debates about
food include how and where it is grown, how it is processed and manufactured into food
products, how it is accessed and where it is sold, how food is prepared, and what, where
and how it is eaten, as well as the role of policy and politics in determining who
experiences the costs and benefits of industrialized food systems. The nature of the food
system – the activities and relationships that constitute various food pathways from seed
to table and that influence the how and why and what we eat – resides at the center of this
debate.
This course critically examines the contemporary food system by looking at food
production, distribution, consumption, and waste with a holistic perspective and
developing a framework for understanding and addressing issues of food justice. We will
examine who does and does not benefit from our globalized food system and the effects
on our health, communities and our environment. We will also learn about an emerging
food movement that challenges the dominant system, including groups for whom justice
and equity are central concerns, and promotes the idea that an alternate food system is
possible. This course will use the concepts of a “food system” and of “food justice” as its
organizing principles. We‟ll look at different policies, programs, political struggles, and
the social and economic and cultural forces that influence and shape the food system and
that generate food justice activism.
Learning Objectives:
Through the course, students will:
Gain knowledge of today‟s food system, including how food is produced, distributed,
consumed, and disposed of and the nature of food system problems and their possible
solutions.
Develop analytic skills to make connections between the food system and economic
development, community health, the environment, neighborhood and regional
planning, labor, organizing and advocacy, and local, state and federal policy.
Identify how and why low-income communities of color are disproportionately
affected by market and policy failures to produce, distribute, and access healthy, safe
food.
Gain understanding of the current food landscape and policy debates in the Los
2
Angeles region by learning from food justice activists, planners and policy makers.
Examine the role of planners/practitioners/policy makers in either hindering or
promoting food justice and critically evaluate efforts – including grassroots, policy,
and planning attempts – to address food issues.
Develop new strategies and action plans toward food justice.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course will be organized around a set of readings, including, as a primary text, Bob
Gottlieb and Anupama Joshi‟s book, Food Justice (2010). The course will focus on five
topic areas that will correspond to the readings. These areas comprise:
1. Growing and Producing Food
2. Accessing Food
3. Where, What and How We Eat
4. Food Politics
5. Food Globalization
The course will also address current and emerging food system issues and policy debates
by inviting guest speakers from the front lines of the food justice and food system
activism and policymaking in Los Angeles and across the nation.
REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
Grades will be based on the following:
1. PARTICIPATION – 45% of grade
A. Weekly reaction memos and class participation (15% of grade)
Students are expected to attend and participate in all class discussions, come to class
having read the material, and complete all assignments and class exercises. Class
discussions will evolve around your insights from the readings and other aspects of the
class. Please make sure to check the posted readings on Moodle each week, as I will
adjust/revise readings periodically. Attendance is important – please contact me prior to
class if you are unable to make it.
Completing the assigned reading prior to class is essential to class participation. Short
half-page to (no longer than) full-page critiques of the readings (“reaction memos”) will
help identify what questions and issues should be addressed for in-class discussions.
Reflect on readings, expand upon the issue/s covered and pose discussion questions.
Please do not simply summarize or provide a commentary on how you liked or disliked
the readings. Reaction memos will be due prior to class as noted in the syllabus and
posted on Moodle for general view.
3
B. “Food in the News” (10% of grade)
Once a week (generally on Thursdays), class will begin with a review of “Food in the
News.” Students should peruse at least one daily/weekly source of news, such as the LA
Times or New York Times (also look for blogs, radio commentaries, videos, etc.) for food-
related news and bring in an article to contribute at the beginning of class. Articles must
be posted prior to class (by 8am that day) on Moodle (provide an online link) as well as a
half-page summary of the issue. Please bring a hard copy to class for possible discussion.
If not immediately clear on the link you provide on Moodle, please reference the
attachment with the author/s, date, title, and source.
C. Group Presentations (15% of grade)
Students will be asked to form into groups of four-five students each around the five
topic areas. Groups will be formed on the second day of class, Thursday, January 24th
.
Each group will be responsible for a presentation and class discussion on their topic that
will last approximately one hour.
Groups are encouraged to think outside the box and develop an interactive, imaginative
session (45 minutes + 15 minutes of discussion) that both captures the issues and themes
identified in the reading and maximizes class involvement. Everyone in the group will get
the same grade based on: clarity and organization, understanding and presentation of
material, and ability to engage the class. If the group finds that participation is skewed
(e.g. one or two people are doing most of the work) and conflicts can not be resolved
within the group, please come to me as early as possible in the semester.
Presentation dates:
Growing and Producing Food February 7th
Accessing Food February 28 th
Where, What and How We Eat March 28 th
Food Politics April 4 th
Food Globalization April 25 th
D. In-Class Presentation (5% of grade)
During the last week of classes, students will give a 5 minute presentation on their final
research paper. Presentations will be made using PowerPoint slides (up to five total
slides).
Slides are due to me via email by 8am Monday, April 29th
. Presentations will be made
in-class on Tuesday, April 30th
and Thursday, May 2nd
.
Presentations must use PowerPoint (PPT) slides (up to 5 total)
Presentations should not be read directly from slides or notes, but you may use
index cards or speaker notes for reference
Include your topic issue, how researched, major findings, and conclusions
4
Be creative – you can use photos, graphs, charts, etc. When using text, keep it to a
minimum and do not use less than 28 pt font
If presenting on an action research paper, include a reflection of your interaction
with the program/organization
Submit PPT slides to me via email in a PC compatible file due Monday, April 29th
at 8am. First slide should be your cover page. I will load your presentations on
the computer before class so you do not have to bring in your own flash drive.
Please note that having in-class presentations means you must start research on your final
paper during the semester. You do not have to have already written your paper, but you
must have completed sufficient research to present during the last week of classes. If
your in-class presentation is significantly different from your final paper, you may not be
given credit for the presentation.
2. ESSAYS – 25% of grade
Students will write three short, 2-3 page essays (normal 1” margins, double-spaced, 11 or
12pt font) on the different topic areas covered in the readings and class. Students may
choose to write a fourth essay counting as extra credit. Written assignments should be
emailed to me before the beginning of class on the due date and a hard copy of the essay
should be given to me at the start of class. All assignments must be accompanied by a
list of references (not included in the page count), following MLA format
(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/). You may not write an essay on the
same issue (same topic area is OK) as your group presentation or final paper.
Choose three out of the five choices below (a fourth essay may count as extra credit, as
indicated above):
Essay #1: Growing and Producing Food
Due Thursday, February 7th
at the beginning of class (email and hardcopy).
Pick one of three choices:
Choice A: Write a 2-3 page essay on pesticide use in food crops, focusing on the effects
on health and the environment, history of usage, and any campaigns against its use.
Choice B: Write a 2-3 page essay on 3 food borne outbreaks that occurred in 2011-2012,
investigating the contaminant, the food product affected , the farm/agribusiness in which
the contamination occurred and can be traced back to (not necessarily the same), effects
on health, and a review of how the outbreak was tracked and eliminated.
Choice C: Construct a flow chart focusing on an agribusiness corporation (e.g. ConAgra)
or on a consumer food brand (think creatively and pick a product you eat – Target or
Wal-Mart house brand, Cool Whip, Morningstar Farms, Horizon, etc.). The flow chart
should track who owns what (including other product lines), where food is sourced,
sourcing and production practices, labor history, and marketing campaigns (specifications
on margins and spacing do not apply). Be as detailed as possible.
5
Essay #2: Accessing Food
Due Thursday, February 28th
at the beginning of class (email and hardcopy).
Write a 2-3-page essay on issues related to the food access sessions, drawing from the
ideas generated by the readings and the class sessions, and citing at least three of the
assigned readings.
Essay #3: Where, What and How We Eat
Due Thursday, March 28
th at the beginning of class (email and hardcopy).
Pick one of two choices:
Choice A:
Write a 2-3-page essay on issues related to the food consumption sessions, drawing from
the ideas generated by the readings and the class sessions, and citing at least three of the
assigned readings.
Choice B:
Write a 2-3 page essay that critically evaluates a child-focused web-based game
promoted by a food corporation/product (e.g. Kraft, Frito-Lay, Nabisco, General Mills,
etc.), taking note of how it may appeal to children in respect to the game itself, the logo,
characters, messaging, incentives (like prizes), ads, targeted ethnicity, and the product.
Essay #4: Food Politics
Due Thursday, April 11th
at the beginning of class (email and hardcopy). Write a 2-3-page essay on issues related to the food politics sessions, drawing from the
ideas generated by the readings and the class sessions, and citing at least three of the
assigned readings.
Essay #5: Food Globalization
Due Thursday, April 25th
at the beginning of class (email and hardcopy). Write a 2-3-page essay on issues related to the food globalization sessions, drawing from
the ideas generated by the readings and the class sessions, and citing at least three of the
assigned readings.
3. RESEARCH/ACTION-RESEARCH PAPER – 30% of grade
Research paper topic proposals due via email prior to class on Thursday, March 7th
Action research paper topic proposals due via email prior to class due no later than
Thursday, February 21st
Paper due Thursday, May 9th
by 5pm in my mailbox at UEP/UEPI and by email
This paper is the equivalent to your final exam. Please choose one of two possible
structures for your paper. Choice A is a research-based paper and Choice B is an “action
research” paper. Please see distinctions below and please note the different dates on
which you need to choose a topic. All topics must have my prior approval before
proceeding.
6
Topic Proposal: When submitting your topic proposal (in an MS Word document via
email), please include the following information: (1) a description of the topic; (2) what
you are hoping to learn from researching the topic (e.g. do you have a hypothesis? will
you be investigating an issue you want to learn more about and if so, what spurred that
interest?) or working with a particular program/agency (latter relevant to the action
research paper); and (3) what types of sources you anticipate using (e.g. course readings
from specific weeks, lectures, interviews with community activists, films, peer-reviewed
journals, etc.).
Choice A:
Research Paper: This paper will cover a specific food justice issue of your choice. The
purpose of your final paper is to conduct deeper research on a topic that addresses and
expands upon one of the broad topic areas and themes discussed in the readings and class.
The paper can also explore a current food justice issue/debate that was not identified
throughout this course.
Papers should be between 10-12 pages (normal 1” margins, double-spaced, 11 or 12pt
font). Papers should identify the problem and its relationship to our current food system,
provide some historical perspective, and describe its relevance to us. Papers may also
recommend policy or programmatic changes or recommend new strategies for improving
or expanding food justice campaigns. The paper should incorporate key themes and
discussion points from our course and use a variety of outside sources (books, journal
articles, research briefs, etc.). Make sure to include a bibliography that lists all of your
resources in MLA format (not included in the final page count).
Choice B:
Action-Research Paper: This paper will be the result of your interactions with a food
justice organization/program of your choice. At the beginning of the semester you will
approach a specific organization/program that focuses on a food justice issue that
interests you. During the semester you will help the program on a project you conduct
under their supervision (e.g. involvement in a campaign, researching a report, or other
need) and the paper will focus on the (1) issue; (2) project; (3) results; (4) discussion
and/or recommendations; and (5) your reflection of the experience. Paper format as
described above applies for this paper as well, including guidelines for a bibliography.
Please communicate with me early in the semester if this is the option you wish to take.
Grading for either paper format: You will receive a letter grade based on the following:
Timely completion of assignment
Depth of analysis
Critical thinking with clear arguments to support your assertions
Integration of course lectures, discussions, readings, and films
Overall organization and structure of the paper
For any assignment that is emailed to me, please use the following format to name your
PC compatible MS WORD file: Assignment name_Your first name_Your last
name_Date. For example: Essay#1_John_Doe_1.29.13. Repeated mislabeling of files
For any assignment that is emailed to me, please use the following format to name your
PC compatible MS WORD file: Assignment name_Your first name_Your last
name_Date. For example: Essay#1_John_Doe_1.29.13. Repeated mislabeling of files
will lead to the assignment being sent back to you and not counted as submitted until you
return it to me in the proper format. Thank you in advance.
7
Students are highly encouraged to talk to me at any point during the semester – the earlier
the better - if they have concerns about their grade in the course or any other related
issues. I am here to help you all succeed!
While attending events outside of class are not required or graded, it is highly
recommended that students attend at least one event during the semester and share the
experience with others in class. I will share event info with you periodically throughout
the semester.
See the following pages for the syllabus. Please remember to look on Moodle to check if
any assignments and readings have been updated from this document. Readings and
scheduled speakers are subject to change. Please keep in mind that a change of date for a
guest lecturer might possibly result in a change of date in an assignment. If the date of an
assignment is changed, I will notify the class as soon as possible.
SYLLABUS
WEEK 1: Introduction
Tuesday, January 22: Overview of the Food System and Food Justice
Introductions/course overview
Define our food system
Define food justice
Thursday, January 24: Big Ag and the Industrial Food System
Establish a food glossary
Overview of health and wellness in the U.S.
History of the agricultural revolution and its legacy
Introduction to contemporary food issues
Guest Speaker: Emily Ritchie, FoodCorps and Oxy/UEP alum (Jan. 22nd
)
Week 1 Readings:
1. Course Text: Gottlieb, Robert and Anupama Joshi. (2010). “Introduction.” Food
Justice. pp1-9.
2. Course Text: Gottlieb, Robert and Anupama Joshi. (2010). Food Justice. (Preface to
the second edition, pp. ix-xv)
3. Book Excerpt: Pollan, Michael. (2007). “The Farm.” (Chapter 2) in Omnivore’s
Dilemma.
4. Book Excerpt: Patel, Raj. (2008). “Introduction.” Stuffed and Starved. pp 1-19.
5. News Article: Schlosser, Eric. (April 29, 2011). “Why Being a Foodie Isn‟t Elitist.”
Washington Post. http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-04-
29/opinions/35229900_1_small-farmers-wealthy-farmers-american-farmers
8
Optional Reading:
Policy Statement: American Public Health Association. (Nov. 6, 2007) “Toward a
Healthy, Sustainable Food System.”
http://www.apha.org/advocacy/policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=1361
Week 1 Assignment due:
1. Food Glossary terms, due Thursday, January 24th
by 8:00am. Provide an in-depth
definition with references from several sources (not Wikipedia) on Moodle and bring to
class to discuss. Assignment will be given out during the first class.
Optional Week 1 and 2 Assignments:
1. Sign up for a live webinar to hear Professor Gottlieb speak on food justice for the
American Medical Student Association on Wednesday, January 23rd
at 4pm.
2. Sign up for a second live webinar to hear one of our critical community partners,
Frank Tamborello of Hunger Action LA talk about hunger issues and food politics on
Monday, January 28th
at 4pm. Sign up for one or both:
https://docs.google.com/a/oxy.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFRFZHNLcDhXdEE
4cUJ3cnZ3R3piQlE6MQ
If you miss the webinars, we will revisit them when they are archived online.
SECTION 1: Growing and Producing Food
WEEK 2- Tuesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 31: Food Chain Workers
and Immigration
Agricultural workers and their struggles
Farm worker movements
Immigration issues
Guest Speakers: Alberto Tlatoa and Rosa Romero, South Central Farmers Cooperative
Week 2 Readings:
1. Course Text: Gottlieb, Robert and Anupama Joshi. (2010). “Growing and Producing
Food” (Chapter 1) and “New Growing Production Strategies” (Chapter 6) in Food
Justice.
2. Book Excerpt: Rodriguez, A., A. Delwiche, and S. Kaoosji. (2009). “Cheap Food:
Workers Pay the Price.” (Chapter 7) in Food Inc., A Participant Guide.
3. Report: Holt-Gimenez, Eric, Zoe Brent, Annie Shattuck. (Summer 2010). “Food
Workers - Food Justice: Linking Food, Labor and Immigrant Rights.” Food First
Backgrounder.
5. News Article: Kaufman, Greg. (October 18, 2010). “The Wall Comes Tumbling
Down.” The Nation. http://www.thenation.com/blog/155437/wall-comes-tumbling-down
5. Article: Schlosser, Eric. (1995). “In the Strawberry Fields.” Atlantic Monthly. Vol.
276(5); pp. 1-22.
9
6. Press Release: United Farm Workers (July 30, 2009). “Landmark Lawsuit Accuses
State of Failing to Protect Farm Workers from Heat Related Death and Illness.”
http://www.ufw.org/_board.php?mode=view&b_code=news_press&b_no=5616&page=1
&field=&key=&n=602
Peruse:
7. Website: Coalition of Immokalee Workers: www.ciw-online.org/
8. Website: Food Chain Workers Alliance: http://foodchainworkers.org/
9. Website: South Central Farmers Cooperative: http://www.southcentralfarmers.com/
10. Website: United Farm Workers: http://www.ufw.org/
11. Website: Food First: http://www.foodfirst.org/
Week 2 Assignments due:
1. First weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, January 29th
by 8am (Moodle)
2. First weekly “Food in the News” article and summary due Thursday, January 31st by
8am (Moodle) and bring a hardcopy of the news article (unless a video) to class.
WEEK 3- Tuesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 7: Sustainability
GMOs
Food safety
Water, air, and soil pollution
Climate change
Week 3 Readings:
1. Report: Shrybman, Steven. (November 2000). “Trade, Agriculture, and Climate
Change: How Agricultural Trade Policies Fuel Climate Change.” Institute for
Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP).
2. Commentary: Greenberg, J. (Nov. 11, 2012). “Ten Grassroots Lessons From
Monsanto‟s Swift-Boating of the Prop 37/Label GMO Campaign.” Huffington Post.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-greenberg/ten-grassroots-lessons-
fr_b_2114553.html
3. News Article: Kaplan, Karen. (Jan. 8, 2013). “Activist Formerly Opposed to GMOs
Explains His Change of Heart.” Los Angeles Times.
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-gmo-food-safety-conversion-
mark-lynas-20130108,0,2270106.story
4. Book Excerpt: Lappe, Anna Moore. (2009). “The Climate Crisis at the End of Your
Fork” (Chapter 6) in Food Inc., A Participant Guide.
5. News Article: Pollan, Michael. (October 15, 2006). ”The Vegetable Industrial
Complex.” New York Times. http://michaelpollan.com/articles-archive/the-vegetable-
industrial-complex/
6. Report: Shattuck, Annie. (Winter 2009). “Growing Climate Justice.” Food First
Backgrounder.
7. Report: Jacobson, Michael. (2012). “CSPI Year-End Report.” Center for Science in
the Public Interest.
10
8. Commentary: Bellatti, Andy. (Dec. 17, 2012). “The 4 Biggest Food Stories of the
Year (And What They Taught Us).” Huffington Post.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-bellatti/food-stories-2012_b_2312291.html
9. Article: Radford, Tim. (Jan. 9, 2013). “Growing Biofuels Can Make You Sick.”
Climate News Network. http://www.climatenewsnetwork.net/2013/01/growing-biofuels-
can-make-you-ill/
10. Interview: With Robert Lawrence (Oct. 2011). “Fewer Cows, More Vegetables.”
Nutrition Action Healthletter.
Peruse:
12. Website: Food and Water Watch -factory farm map: http://www.factoryfarmmap.org/
13. Website: Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org/ (e.g. check out
“Healthy Home Tips,” “Shoppers Guide to Pesticide in Produce,” and more!)
14. Website: Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI): http://www.cspinet.org/
15. Website: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Food Safety page:
http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/
Week 3 Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, February 5th
by 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article and summary due Thursday, February 7th
by 8am
(Moodle) and bring to class.
3. First group presentation Thursday, February 7th
.
4. Essay #1 due Thursday, February 7th
.
SECTION 2: Accessing Food
WEEK 4- Tuesday, February 12: Consumption and Health
Health disparities and race
Malnutrition and obesity links
Grocery gaps
Food deserts and food swamps
Skill Building: Victor Hernandez, Farm to Preschool: Reading Packaged Food Labels
WEEK 4- Thursday, February 14: Retail
Fast food moratoriums
Community plans and community engagement
Healthy Food Financing Initiative
Market opportunities programs
Corner store conversions
Calorie counts on menus
Guest Speaker: Lauren Dunning, JD, MPH, LA County Dept of Public Health (2/14)
11
Week 4 Readings:
1. Course Text: Gottlieb, Robert and Anupama Joshi. (2010). “Access to Food” (Chapter
2) and “New Points of Access” (Chapter 7) in Food Justice.
2. Report: Bassford, Nicky et al. (July 2010). “Food Desert to Food Oasis: Promoting
Grocery Store Development in South Los Angeles.” Community Health Councils.
http://www.chc-
inc.org/downloads/Food%20Desert%20to%20Food%20Oasis%20July%202010.pdf
3. Factsheet: PolicyLink. (June 2010). “A Healthy Food Financing Initiative: An
Innovative Approach to Improve Health and Spark Economic Development.”
http://www.policylink.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lkIXLbMNJrE&b=5136581&
ct=8047759
4. News Article: Medina, Jennifer (January 15, 2011). “In South Los Angeles, New Fast
Food Spots Get a „No, Thanks.‟” New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/us/16fastfood.html?_r=0
5. Policy Brief. Community Health Councils. (April 2008). “Does Race Define What‟s In
the Shopping Cart?” http://www.chc-inc.org/downloads/Shopping%20Cart%20Brief.pdf
6. News Article: Williams, Sarah. (December 18, 2012). “Proposed Chinatown Wal-
Mart Sparks Debate.” Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/content/la-chinatown-
walmart-focus-of-development-debate/1567367.html
7. News Article: Wilgoren, Debbie and Ylan Mui. (January 20, 2011). “With Praise from
Michelle Obama, Wal-Mart Announces Healthy Food Campaign.” The Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-
dyn/content/article/2011/01/20/AR2011012001581.html
8. Report: PolicyLink. (2010) “The Grocery Gap: Who Has Access to Healthy Food and
Why it Matters.” (Executive Summary). http://www.policylink.org/atf/cf/%7B97c6d565-
bb43-406d-a6d5-eca3bbf35af0%7D/GROCERYGAP_EXECSUMMARY.PDF
9. News Article: Kolata, Gina. (April 17, 2012). “Studies Question the Pairing of Food
Deserts and Obesity.” New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/health/research/pairing-of-food-deserts-and-obesity-
challenged-in-studies.html?_r=0
10. Report: ChangeLabSolutions. (2009). “Healthy Corner Stores.” (Read the Executive
Summary and Part I, pp. 1-13, skim the remainder).
http://changelabsolutions.org/sites/default/files/documents/HCSReport.pdf
11. Commentary: Hyman, Mark. (March 8, 2012). “How Malnutrition Causes Obesity.”
Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/malnutrition-
obesity_b_1324760.html
Peruse:
12. Website: Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity:
http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/
13. Website: Let‟s Move!: http://www.letsmove.gov/
14. Website: ChooseHealthLA: http://www.choosehealthla.com/
15. Website: USDA Food Environment Atlas: http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-
products/food-environment-atlas.aspx
12
Optional Reading:
1. UEP Comps. Shaffer, Amanda. (2002). “The Persistence of LA‟s Grocery Gap.”
Urban & Environmental Policy Institute.
2. Report: PolicyLink (2007). “Why Place Matters: Building a Movement for Healthy
Communities.” http://www.policylink.org/atf/cf/%7B97c6d565-bb43-406d-a6d5-
eca3bbf35af0%7D/WHYPLACEMATTERS_FINAL.PDF
Week 4 Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memos due Tuesday, February 14th
at 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, February 14th
by 8am
(Moodle) and bring to class.
WEEK 5- Tuesday, February 19: Farm to Institution Programs
“Farm to” Programs: Farm to School, Preschool, College, Hospital, Prison, etc.
Regional Food Hubs
WEEK 5- Thursday, February 21: Transportation
Transportation issues links to healthy food access
Healthy mobile vending options
Guest Speaker: Professor Mark Vallianatos, UEPI Policy Director/Adjunct Professor
Week 5 Readings:
Tuesday Topic:
1. Factsheet: Occidental College Farm to Preschool Program. (2012).
2. Factsheet: The Farm to Preschool Subcommittee of the National Farm to School
Network. (2012)
http://www.farmtopreschool.org/documents/F2P%20Subcommittee%20one%20pager_8.
2012.pdf
3. Article: Joshi, A. et al. (2008) “Do Farm to School Programs Make a Difference?
Findings and Future Research Needs.” Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition.
vol.3: pp. 229-246.
http://www.cahpf.org/GoDocUserFiles/504.Farm_to_School_Programs.pdf
4. Report: Urban & Environmental Policy Institute. “Farm to Hospital: Supporting Local
Agriculture and Improving Healthcare.”
http://www.farmtoschool.org/files/publications_478.pdf
5. News Article: Collins, Glen. (July 2009). “Customers Prove There‟s a Market for
Fresh Produce”. New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/nyregion/11carts.html
6. Commentary: Breslan, K. (2012). “Farms on Prisons Will Reduce the National Prison
Budget.” PolicyMic. http://www.policymic.com/debates/8869/farms-on-prisons-will-
reduce-national-prison-budget
7. Presentation: USDA. “Regional Food Hubs: Linking Producers to New Markets.”
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5088011
13
Thursday Topic:
8. Report: Vallianatos, M. et al. (March 2011) “Bringing Good Food to People and
People to Good Food: Enhancing Food Access Through Transportation and Land Use
Policies.” Urban & Environmental Policy Institute.
9. Report: Public Health Law and Policy. (October 2009). “Healthy Mobile Vending
Policies.”http://changelabsolutions.org/sites/default/files/MobileVending_FactSht_FINA
L_091008.pdf
Peruse:
10. Website: Farm to Preschool: http://www.farmtopreschool.org/
11. Website: Farm to School: http://www.farmtoschool.org/
12. Website: Real Food challenge: http://www.realfoodchallenge.org/
Week 5 Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, February 19th
at 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Tuesday, February 19th
by 8am (Moodle) and
bring to class.
3. Action research paper proposals due Thursday, February 21st
(email).
4. Results of the food assessment exercise due Thursday, February 21st (bring to class).
5. Eat a snack or meal from a mobile vendor (e.g. food truck, fruit vendor) and prepare
to share in class on Thursday, February 21st
WEEK 6- Tuesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 28: Urban Ag and
Community Development
Urban agriculture/community gardens
Reinventing “Victory Gardens”
Farmers‟ Markets
CSA programs
Community food assessments
EBT/WIC opportunities
Guest Speaker: TBD
Skill Building: Affordable Shopping at Farmers’ Markets: Tips (TBD)
Week 6 Readings:
1. Report: Winne, Mark. “Community Food Security: Promoting Food Security and
Building Healthy Food Systems.”
2. Article: Lappe, Frances Moore. (2009). “The City that Ended Hunger.” Yes Magazine.
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/food-for-everyone/the-city-that-ended-hunger
3. Article: Kummer, Corby. (2008). “A Papaya Grows in Holyoke.” The Atlantic.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/04/a-papaya-grows-in-holyoke/6702/
4. News Article: Royte, Elizabeth. (2009). “Street Farmer.” New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/magazine/05allen-t.html
14
5. Commentary: Burton, Brook. “South Central Farmers: New Life with a Ceremony, a
Festival + Water”. LA Weekly.
http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/2010/06/south_central_farmers_celebrat.php
6. Article: Gold, Jonathan. (2010). “A Farm to Table Revolution.” Saveur Magazine.
http://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/A-Farm-To-Table-Revolution
7. Policy Brief. Lung, Stephanie. (2010). “EBT, WIC, and Senior Coupons:
Underutilized at Local Farmers‟ Markets.” The Ohio State University Extension.
http://cccfoodpolicy.org/sites/default/files/resources/Policy%20Brief%20-
%20Food%20Assistance%20Underutilized%20at%20Farmers%20Markets.pdf
Peruse:
8. Website: American Community Garden Association:
http://www.communitygarden.org/
9. Website: Victory Gardens San Diego: http://www.victorygardenssandiego.com/
10. Website: California Farmers‟ Markets: http://www.cafarmersmarkets.com/
11: Website: USDA Urban Agriculture: Alternative Farming Systems Information
Center: http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-community/urban-agriculture
Week 6 Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, February 26th
at 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, February 28th
by 8am (Moodle) and
bring to class.
3. Essay #2 due Thursday, February 28th
in class.
4. Second group presentation Thursday, February 28th
SECTION 3: Where, What and How We Eat
WEEK 7- Tuesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 7: Influences on our Food
Choices
Affordability and portion distortion
Food & cultural identity
Erosion of the family meal
Paradox of restricting options to increase choice
Skill Building: Victor Hernandez, Farm to Preschool: Portion Distortion/Portion
Control
Week 7 Readings:
1. Course Text: Gottlieb, Robert and Anupama Joshi. (2010). “Consuming Food”
(Chapter 3) in Food Justice.
2. Article: Brownell, Kelly and Warner, Kenneth. (2009). “The Perils of Ignoring
History: Big Tobacco Played Dirty and Millions Died. How Similar Is Big Food?” The
Millbank Quarterly. Vol. 87, No. 1, pp. 259-294.
15
3. Article: Brownell, K.D., & Frieden, T.R. (2009). “Ounces of Prevention: The Public
Policy Case for Taxes on Sugared Beverages.” New England Journal of Medicine, Vol.
360; pp.1805-1808.
4. News Article: Grynbaum, M. (September 13, 2012). “Health Panel Approves
Restriction of Large Sugary Drinks.” New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/nyregion/health-board-approves-bloombergs-soda-
ban.html?_r=0
5. Radio: “Child Hunger: Nutritious Food Hard to Afford” (July 21, 2010) on National
Public Radio. Available at:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128671673
6. Article: Michael Pollan. (August 2, 2009). “Out of the Kitchen and on to the Couch.”
New York Times Magazine. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/magazine/02cooking-t.html
7. Article: Fisher, Andy. (October 8, 2010). “Banning Soda for Food Stamps‟ Recipients
Raises Tough Questions”. Civileats. http://civileats.com/2010/10/08/banning-soda-for-
food-stamps-raises-tough-questions/
8. Article: Park, Alice. (July 20, 2011). “Are Calorie Counts on Menus Accurate? Not So
Much.” Time. http://healthland.time.com/2011/07/20/are-calorie-counts-on-menus-
accurate-not-so-much/
Peruse:
9. Website: MyPlate: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
10. Website: ChooseHealthLA: http://www.choosehealthla.com/
Week 7 Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, March 5th
at 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, March 7th
by 8am
(Moodle) and bring to class.
3. Research paper proposal due Thursday, March 7th
(email).
WEEK 8- Tuesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 14 - SPRING BREAK!!
WEEK 9- Tuesday, March 19 and Thursday, March 21: Marketing of Food
Marketing to children
Grocery product placement
Case Study: Soda and the Rethink Your Drink movement
Guest Speaker: TBD
Week 9 Readings:
1. Report: “History of Food Marketing to Children.” Center for Science in the Public
Interest. http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/food_marketing_to_children.pdf
2. Article: Brownell, Kelly. (November 8, 2010). “Are Children Prey to Fast Food
Companies.” The Atlantic. http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2010/11/are-
children-prey-for-fast-food-companies/66237/
16
3. Factsheet: Food Marketing 101. Food Marketing Workgroup.
http://www.foodmarketing.org/resources/food-marketing-101/
4. Policy Manual. (2005). Institute for Medicine. “Food Marketing to Children and
Youth.” (Executive Summary, pp. 1-16)
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11514&page=1
5. Article: Glanz, K. et al. (2012). “Retail Grocery Store marketing Strategies and
Obesity.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 42(5): pp.503–512.
https://marketing.wharton.upenn.edu/mktg/assets/File/07-11-2012%20Glanz-Karen-
Paper.pdf
6. Brochure: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Rethink Your Drink.”
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition/pdf/rethink_your_drink.pdf
7. Report: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (January 10,
2013). Update on Emergency Department Visits Involving Energy Drinks: A Continuing
Public Health Concern.” http://www.samhsa.gov/data/2k13/DAWN126/sr126-energy-
drinks-use.pdf
8. Interview: Nestle, Marion (2013). “Kids Don‟t Need Kids Food.” Childhood Obesity.
Vol. 8(5); pp. 21-22.
9. Article: Nestle, Marion (2006). “Food Marketing and Childhood Obesity – A Matter
of Policy.” New England Journal of Medicine. Vol. 354(24); pp. 2527-2529.
10. News Article: Horovitz, Bruce. (June 7, 2012). “Coke Executive Answers Questions
About Sugary Drinks.” USA Today.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/story/2012-06-07/coke-q-and-a-
coca-cola-mayor-bloomberg/55453016/1
Peruse:
11. Website: Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity‟s website on the fast food
marketing and childhood obesity: http://www.fastfoodmarketing.org/
Week 9 Assignments:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, March 19th
at 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, March 21st by 8am
(Moodle) and bring to class.
WEEK 10- Tuesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 28: Food Movements, Race
and Class: Bridging the Divide
Ethical eating: Local food, slow food, fair trade, organic
Community self determination
Linking low-income consumers to “good food”
Guest Speaker: Alexa Delwiche, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Week 10 Readings:
1. Course Text: Gottlieb, Robert and Anupama Joshi. (2010). “Transforming the Food
Experience.” (Chapter 8) in Food Justice.
17
2. E-newsletter: Food Day Eat Real News (Jan. 2013). Center for Science in the Public
Interest.
3. Article: Guthman, Julie. (2008). “Bringing Good Food to Others: Investigating the
Subjects of Alternative Food Practice”. Cultural Geographies, pp. 431-447.
4. Article: Getz, Christy, et al. (2008). “Class Politics and Agricultural Exceptionalism in
California‟s Organic Agriculture Movement.” Politics & Society. Vol.36; pp. 478-507.
5. News Article: Miller, Lisa. (November 22, 2010). “Divided We Eat.” Newsweek.
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/11/22/what-food-says-about-class-in-america.html
6. Article: Brown, S and C. Getz. (2008). “Towards Domestic Fair Trade? Farm Labor,
Food Localism, and the „Family Scale‟ Farm.” Geojournal. Vol.73; pp. 11-22.
7. Article: Brown, S and C. Getz. (2006). “Privatizing Farm Worker Justice: Regulating
Labor Through Voluntary Certification and Labeling.” Geoforum. Vol.39; pp. 1184-
1196.
Peruse:
8. Website: Slow Food USA: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/
9. Website: Fair Trade USA: http://www.fairtradeusa.org/
10. Website: Organic Consumers Association: http://www.organicconsumers.org/
11. Website: Los Angeles Food Policy council: http://goodfoodla.org/
Week 10 Assignments due: 1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, March 26
th at 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, March 28th
by 8am (Moodle)
and bring to class.
3. Third short essay due Thursday, March 28
th in class and by email.
4. Third group presentation, Thursday, March 28th
SECTION 4: Food Politics
WEEK 11- Tuesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 4: Local, State and Federal
Politics
Federal agricultural policies and public health
Local Responses: Food Policy Councils and Foodshed Planning
Guest Speaker: Matt Sharp, California Food Policy Advocates (tentative)
Week 11 Readings:
1. Course Text: Gottlieb, Robert and Anupama Joshi. (2010). “Food Politics” (Chapter
4) and “A New Food Politics.” (Chapter 9) in Food Justice.
2. Article: Jackson, Richard et al. (2009). “Agriculture Policy is Health Policy.” Journal
of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. Vol.4(3); pp. 393-408.
3. Report: Harper, Alethea et al. (2009). “Food Policy Councils: Lessons Learned.”
Food First. (read the Executive Summary)
https://www.foodfirst.org/sites/www.foodfirst.org/files/pdf/Food_Policy_Councils_Repor
t_Exec_Summ.pdf
18
4. Report: Los Angeles Food Policy Task Force. (July 2010). “The Good Food for All
Agenda” (read the Executive Summary, skim the remainder).
5. Commentary: Nestle, Marion (2012). “What President Obama Can Do in the USA.”
Public Health Nutrition. Vol.12(3); pp.433-435.
6. Policy Statement: American Public Health Association. (Nov. 6, 2007). “Toward a
Healthy, Sustainable Food System.”
http://www.apha.org/advocacy/policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=1361
7. Commentary: Fisher, Andy (January 10, 2013). “Fighting Hunger or Causing Hunger:
A Mid-term Look at Wal-Mart $2 Billion Commitment.” Civileats.
http://civileats.com/author/afisher/
8. Article: Bittman, Mark. (July 24, 2011). “Bad Food? Tax It, and Subsidize
Vegetables.” New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/opinion/sunday/24bittman.html?ref=opinion&_r=0
Peruse:
9. Website: California Food Policy Advocates (CFPA): http://cfpa.net/
10. Website: Food Research and Action Center (FRAC): http://frac.org/
11. Website: Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP): http://www.iatp.org/
12. Website: Los Angeles Food Policy Council: http://goodfoodla.org/
Optional Reading:
Report: Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (2010). “Beyond the USDA: How
Other Government Agencies can Support a Healthier, More Sustainable Food System.”
http://www.iatp.org/documents/beyond-the-usda-how-other-government-agencies-can-
support-a-healthier-more-sustainable-foo
Week 11 Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, April 2nd
at 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, April 4th
by 8am (Moodle) and bring
to class.
3. Fourth group presentation due Thursday, April 4th
WEEK 12- Tuesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 11: Schools and Nutrition and
Overview of course text Food Justice
School food – consumption, marketing, and politics
School food revolution
Guest Lecturer: Professor Bob Gottlieb
Note: I will be out of town the week of April 8- 12th
. Professor Gottlieb and possibly
other speakers will guest lecture this week.
Week 12 Readings:
1. Book Excerpt: Poppendieck, Janet. (2010). “Food Fights” (Chapter 2) in Free for All:
Fixing School Food in America.
19
2. Report: Institute of Medicine. (2007). Executive Summary from Nutrition Standards
for Foods in Schools: Leading the Way Towards Healthier Youth. Washington, DC:
National Academies Press. Read pages 1-15.
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11899&page=1
4. Report: Center for Ecoliteracy. “Rethinking School Lunch Guide.” Read pp: 3-4; 69-
73 (Financing) and pp.129-155 (Procurement and Waste Management).
5. Blog: Eschmeyer, Debra. (November 22, 2010). “Stick a Fork in It: Pass the Child
Nutrition Act.” Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/debra-
eschmeyer/healthy-hunger-free-kids-act-congress_b_786788.html
6. News Article: Anderson, Nick. (December 3, 2010). “House Sends Bill on Child
Nutrition and Free Lunch to President.” Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/12/02/AR2010120206016.h
tml
7. Video: Oliver, J. (2010). TED Prize speech. http://www.tedprize.org/jamie-oliver/.
Click on “Watch the Talk.”
Peruse:
8. Website: Jamie Oliver‟s Food Revolution:
http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/home
9. Website: Healthy School Food Coalition (HSFC – at UEPI):
http://healthyschoolfoodcoalition.org/
Week 12 Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, April 9th
by 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, April 11th
by 8am (Moodle) and
bring to class.
3. Essay #4 due Thursday, April 11th
in class and by email.
SECTION 5: Our Global Food System
WEEK 13- Tuesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 18: Food Globalization
Hunger in a World of Plenty
Globesity
International Trade Agreements
Control of Global Market
Guest Speaker: Sabin Portillo, Activist Media Project
Week 13 Readings:
1. Course Text: Gottlieb, Robert and Anupama Joshi. (2010). “The Food System Goes
Global” (Chapter 5) in Food Justice.
2. Book Excerpt: Holt-Giménez, Eric and Raj Patel. (2009). Chapters 1, 2, & 3 in Food
Rebellions: Crisis and the Hunger for Justice.
3. News Article: Rosenthal, Elisabeth. (January 5, 2013). “As Biofuel Demand Grows,
So Do Guatemala‟s Hunger Pangs.” New York Times.
20
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/06/science/earth/in-fields-and-markets-guatemalans-
feel-squeeze-of-biofuel-demand.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
2. News Article and Video: David Barstow and Alejandra Xanic Von Bertrab
(December 18, 2012). “How Wal-Mart Used Payoffs to Get Its Way in Mexico.” New
York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/18/business/walmart-bribes-
teotihuacan.html?pagewanted=all
3. News Article: Collyns, Dan. (January 14, 2013). “Quinoa Brings Riches to the
Andes.” The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/14/quinoa-andes-
bolivia-peru-crop
5. News Article: Vidal, John. (March 7, 2010). “How Food and Water are Driving a
21st-Century African Land Grab.” The Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/mar/07/food-water-africa-land-grab
6. News Article: LaFraniere, Sharon. (May 8, 2011). “In China, Fear of Fake Eggs and
“Recycled” Buns.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/world/asia/08food.html?pagewanted=all
Week 13: Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, April 16th
by 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, April 18th
by 8am (Moodle) and
bring to class.
WEEK 14- Tuesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 25: Food Rebellions and the
Movement for Food Sovereignty
Food Sovereignty
Agrarian movements
Transnational organizing
Week 14 Readings:
1. Book Excerpt: Desmarais, Annette. Chapters 1 & Chapter 6. La Via Campesina.
(2007).
2. Article: Patel, Raj. (July 2009). “Grassroots Voices.” (read from Raj Patel to
Christina Schiavoni, pp. 663-688.) The Journal of Peasant Studies. Vol.36(3).
3. Article: Altieri, Miguel. (July/August 2009). “Agroecology, Small Farms, and Food
Sovereignty.” Monthly Review. http://www.monthlyreview.org/090810altieri.php
4. Factsheet: Grassroots International. (2007). “The 6 Food Sovereignty Principles.”
http://www.grassrootsonline.org/sites/default/files/The-6-Food-Sovereignty-
Principles.pdf
5. Factsheet: Grassroots International. “Farming and Trade Policy – What is the Impact
on Family Farmers?” http://www.grassrootsonline.org/sites/default/files/Factsheet4-
Small-Farmers-and-Farmworkers.pdf
6. Political Statement. NGO/CSO Forum. (2002). “Food Sovereignty: A Right For All.”
http://www.foodsovereignty.org/Portals/0/documenti%20sito/About%20us/Food%20Sov
ereignty-%20A%20Right%20For%20All%20Political%20Statement%20.pdf
7. Report: Holt-Giménez, Eric and Peabody, L. (Spring 2008). “From Food Rebellions
to Food Sovereignty: Urgent Call to Fix a Broken Food System.” FoodFirst
21
Backgrounder. http://www.foodfirst.org/files/pdf/bgr%2520spring%25202008%2520-
Food%2520Rebellions.pdf
Peruse:
8. Website: Grassroots International: http://www.grassrootsonline.org/
9. Website: National Family Farm Coalition: http://www.nffc.net/
10. Website: Roots of Change: http://rootsofchange.org/
Week 14 Assignments due:
1. Weekly reaction memo due Tuesday, April 23rd
by 8am (Moodle).
2. Weekly “Food in the News” article due Thursday, April 25th
by 8am (Moodle) and
bring to class.
3. Fifth short essay due Thursday, April 25th
in class and by email.
4. Fifth group presentation, Thursday, April 25th
WEEK 15: Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 2: Class Presentations
Five minute presentations in class on final paper
Semester wrap-up
Final thoughts, reflections, food justice action plans
Week 15 Readings:
none
Week 15 Assignment due:
1. Five minute individual presentations on your research/action-research papers due
Tuesday, April 30th
and Thursday, May 2nd
(PPT slides due Monday, April 29th
).
See the description in the syllabus for more details.
Final Exam
Final paper due Thursday, May 9th
Hard copy due in my UEP/UEPI mailbox and emailed file (MS Word) by 5pm