Food Systems

Catalog description

The supermarket has become the last stop in an increasingly complex global food system, spurring a growing movement to re-regionalize the food system. In this course, students will examine key economic, social, demographic, environmental, and ethical issues that currently shape our systems of food production, distribution, and consumption. Students will examine how food is grown, processed, transported and distributed while learning the federal, state and local policies that shape how those foods are consumed. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the various methods used to raise animals and plants for food and the social justice issues surrounding production. The class will provide an in-depth look at the environmental, economic, and public health impacts of our industrialized food system. The course will also cover the effect of international trade and immigration policies, exploring the concept of food sovereignty in the United States and around the world. This is an honors course. Please refer to the NWACC Honors Program section in the current catalog for more information.