Sustainable Community Development Initiative

NWEI Course: Menu for the Future
      
Menu for the Future is a six week course, including a discussion course book by Northwest Earth Institute, exploring the connection between food and sustainability. 
 
The course provides an enjoyable, supportive setting in which to examine personal values and habits, engage in stimulating conversation, create meaningful community, and consider ways to take action towards creating a more sustainable future.
 
 
 
 
"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 promotes personal and ecological well-being.
  • To consider your role in creating or supporting sustainable food systems.
When: Meets weekly on Wednesdays from 1pm to 2pm starting March 14 to April 18, 2012
 
Where: Kirkhof Center 
 
Cost: The fee for the class is $10 which covers a portion of the cost of the course book. This class is
 sponsored by the Sustainable Community Development Initiative.

Register: Online at www.gvsu.edu/seminar under the Sustainability Initiative category.
 
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.