Issues and Themes in Food and Culture
There are many connections to various themes and real-world issues in this project. We list possible themes and issues below. Click on the link to that theme to access ideas and resources on how to investigate these themes in your classroom. You may want to select 4-6 themes, divide your class into Expert Groups, and let each group study a different theme. Another option is to allow students to select a theme or issue they are interested in and let that theme be the topic for their individual research projects and papers.
Click the picture in each section to go to the resources for that issue! Note: we are still building this site; if the picture is not linked this indicates that we have not entered that information on this site as yet.
Click the picture in each section to go to the resources for that issue! Note: we are still building this site; if the picture is not linked this indicates that we have not entered that information on this site as yet.
Dinner for 6.8 Billion
Hungry Planet - What the World Eats Everyone eats. People around the world differ in many ways, but dinner unites us all. 100kcal
This excellent web site created by Edward Khoo contains an amazing array of the top 100 nutrition resources. |
Childhood Obesity
Examine the causes of childhood obesity and other diet related illnesses. Determine solutions, then implement them.
Culinary Arts
Investigate culinary arts through time and place - from careers to joyful hobbies.
Economics Cultural Studies Hospitality Industries The joy of cooking! |
The Garden
Edible Schoolyards
Window Farming Vertical Gardens Rooftop Gardens Learn More |
Water
Fresh water shortage
Economics Social Justice Ocean Pollution Dead Zones Food from the oceans, rivers and lakes Hydropower |
The Farm
Where does our food come from?
Sustainable agriculture
Social Justice and Labor Issues
Economics
Climate Change
How are food, culture and climate change related? |
Cradle2Cradle
This book is not a tree. It contains no wood pulp or cotton fiber. It is 100% recyclable technical nutrients. It is waterproof.
Eco-intelligent design which eliminates the concept of waste, utilizes renewable energy and respects human and natural systems. |
The Bank
Examine the connections between food and the economy. |
The School Cafeteria
Let's change this picture! Does your school cafeteria serve lunches made from fresh, locally grown foods? Join Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and create change in your lunch program. This is definitely a relevant project in which students have a personal stake! Find out about more connecting chefs, gardening and schools.
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The Doctor's Office
Examine the relationship of what and how we eat to the status of our health. |
The United Nations
Examine the connections between our project, Food and Culture, and the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. This photo shows students in a UN Model School participating in a mock UN general session.
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Frankenfood
Opponents of genetically modified food often refer to it as "Frankenfood", after Mary Shelley's character Frankenstein and the monster he creates.The term was coined in 1992.
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Dining Out
Dining out around the world, from street vendors to five-star restaurants - what people eat.
Economics Careers Hospitality Industries Labor Issues Technologies Marketing |
The Supermarket
Where does our food come from?
What are the cultural differences in how people shop for their food? Examine the supermarket - from finance, to architecture, to technologies. What is the history of the supermarket? |
Food, Friends & Family
From popsicles in the back yard to state dinners, food is at the center of social relations.
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The Media
How does the media influence what we eat?
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The Kitchen
Examine the evolution of the kitchen - how have technologies changed how we use this room and prepare our meals?
From gender roles to labor and lifestyle, and from architecture to the arts. |
Environmental Sustainability
Planned conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.
Living Buildings are one way to become sustainable. |
Globalization
The globalization of food, plants and brand names.
McDonaldization Cocacolanization |
The Architect's Office
Green Building - Living Buildings - Imagine a building that functions as elegantly as efficiently as a flower.
These students have entered the Living Building Challenge - so can your students! Government Offices
Examine the role of various government agencies related to the food we eat. Food and Drug Administration. United States Department of Agriculture.
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The Dump
Media Constructions of Food Justice
Media Constructions of Chemicals in the Environment; Media Constructions of Sustainability: Food, Water and Agriculture; and Media Constructions of Sustainability: Finger Lakes. These kits are available free online at www.projectlooksharp.org.
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