goonies never say die

Although I'm recently graduated (as are some of our colleagues from this class as well), I want to take a page from the Goonies' philosophy book and never say 'die' when it comes to this blog. Our ever-changing food system, the historical impact on how we reflect on food today, among many and more topics about the geography of food and eating are as relevant in this moment as they were when I (and you) took this course with Prof. Jarosz. Well, this course never really ends, does it? Our collective path to food sovereignty, food diversity, food security and more is only beckoning us further. Everyday there are articles to discuss, films and documentaries to share, research to analyze, myths to dispel, movements to be inspired by, legislation to advocate for or speak against, and changes to be made.

Although I won't be-in-the-know about Geography classes, readings, and the like, I will be continuing to post things relevant to class and relevant to our gastronomic environment. As ever, I encourage anybody reading this blog to feel free to post links, write posts, and e-mail me (contact info in right sidebar). 

I know it has been a while, so we have much to get on about. Until my next fully formed post, here are some links to whet your intellectual appetite regarding food issues:

Remember the food insecurity disparities we learned about?: In the U.S., 1-in-5 can't afford to eat

Bright side (if there is one): Good Food on a Tight Budget. Our parents and grandparents may have breezed through the aisles of the supermarket blissfully unburdened by notions of pesticide residues and carbon footprints, but today if you want to eat healthy, stick to a budget and minimize the environmental impact of your food choices, it seems you practically need a PhD — or a really good website. For anyone who’s ever found themselves flummoxed by the tangle of health/environmental/budget implications of today’s plethora of food choices (grapes vs. apples, salmon vs. shrimp, canola vs. vegetable oil, and on and on), the folks at the Environmental Working Group have come up with a godsend (via takecharge.org).

If you've been enjoying your summer and have been blissfully unaware of Proposition 37 in California, which proposes the labeling of GMO foods, read this article. I don't agree with everything the writer says, nor is it the best piece of writing I've seen, however it is a brief summary of Prop 37 and why it matters (potentially). Also, a GMO-friendly report by Colin Carter, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis, "inadvertently" forms arguments that "Food Giants" Monsanto and company will most likely use in their protest against Prop 37. It's about 8 pages and includes gems such as, "The California initiative would implement a zero-tolerance policy for accidental presence of small amounts of GM substances." Based on the actual Prop 37 document, that’s incorrect. Prop 37 says that the producer and/or manufacturer has to show evidence in the form of an affidavit that shows they’re not intentionally growing or using genetically modified crops. Will this proposition hurt farmers and food companies? The opposition say so. What are your thoughts?

AND finally, if you've really been out of it or just spending summer under a warm rock...

...this has happened in the midwest. Big "uh-oh" moment for upcoming food prices. (via nytimes)
And, of course, the subsequent "uh-oh" moment from biofuel refineries and agribusiness as they debate who gets what of the corn available.

never saying 'die',

Rosin