Nothing New

Honestly, with my research topic being food waste and how it affects the environment, I would not really change much about my present day life, however, one thing this would have affected is my thoughts with the standardize date labeling (STL). STL is the "sell by" date on packaged and processed foods. Whenever I look through my cabinets and pantries for food and come across a can of tomatoes or something with an expired date, I would automatically throw it away. Regardless if it were only three or four days past; in my head, I do not want to risk it. After discovering all of the new information on food waste and how STL is just when the food is MOST LIKELY best by, I would not be so freaked out by it. (Though with milk I would be careful with).  One of my biggest concerns after this unit is the environmental issues we are creating for ourselves and how we are creating so much food with millions of starving people around the globe. Despite the fact there are apps already created to do this, something I would do to not necessarily try to change about the food industry, but to better already made food, is to pass along my uneaten food to those who want it. It is decreasing the amount of food waste and it is feeding those who are unfortunate; trying to solve to problems at once.

Pass Me a Burger

So let's be honest, we all pretty much knew that there was quite a few nasty things going on in our food industry, and you may be absolutely displeased by it.  But it is not surprising in any way as we have been told pretty much our entire lives that the food industry is bad, and that they cut corners, and are generally not good morally.  Is this information enough to make you say no when your friend asks if you ant to go to In N Out or another fast food restaurant? Probably not.  Will it persuade you to go avoid your visits to Starbucks because the dairy they use isn't free range?  Probably not.  as with a lot of shocking things these days, you are initially appalled but as you get acclimated to this get used to it and carry on with your life.  For example, the Flint Water Crisis was a big news story just last year with everyone asking why such a thing could be allowed to go on, and yet a year later,nothing has changed and now know one really cares.  You probably won't even think about your food politics paper in a week or two as bite into whatever you put in front of you.  Same with me, so if you want to eat more responsibly and are taking steps to do so, kudos.  If your not dissuaded by what you learned and continue to eat whatever you ate before, kudos to you too.  I know that I am going to be enjoying my burger.

Fudge with the Vision

Before we started on this unit, I already had known a bit about the problems with our food system, but I never really paid any real attention to them. I knew that they were serious, but I didn't have the extensive knowledge or even the care to know what was up. I simply accepted it as how it was. However, over the past few weeks, I've come to learn and see a great more deal of things that essentially woke me up to what we're living under, and I'm glad that I was able to. Whether about the shadiness of the meatpacking industry to feeding those in need or to the shameful ignorance from our government, I've learned that the issues surrounding food are something that should be much more emphasized than they currently are.

If I could go back four years and start again with this knowledge, I would. My diet back then wasn't really a healthy one, so it would have gotten me to watch what I ate from an earlier age. While I certainly can't travel back in time to do so, I can better the futures of others by spreading the knowledge of healthy dieting and mindful eating to younger siblings, friends, and anyone else who may need it. Spreading this vision of a better future with our food is something everyone should partake in; it only takes a little effort to do it.

What Now?

The Politics of Food unit taught me many different things that I did not know before, as well as added to my previous knowledge about our food and the process that takes place behind nearly everything we consume.  Even though I knew that there was alot that goes on within the meat and farming industry, I was still very shocked to learn some of the new things that I came across during my research.  I was so outraged that it made me feel that I had to make some type of change and do a better job at monitoring my food and what I am putting into my body.  Most people would automatically jump to the decision of not eating meat anymore, which although is a good idea, it is a lot to ask of someone to just quit cold turkey.  Some have the strength to do so, and as a people it would be great if we stopped eating meat, not only for humane reasons, but for the sake of our health as well.  However, it is not going to be easy, and for some it may be impossible.  I think as a start it would be a good thing if many of us ate meat in moderation, or even ate less red meat and limited poultry and seafood.  It is a big reach, but eventually our health, our planet, and our animals will thank us for it.

I Was Not Very Surprised

I was not very surprised about what I found out about my research topic, which was working conditions in food factories and how the federal government can regulate them. This was mainly because I already knew about them from the Food Inc. film, since it stated that the meat companies consolidated into a few large ones and described the workers as exploitable people, such as illegal immigrants and the very poor, and from eleventh grade, since there was a section about the Jungle Book by Upton Sinclair in the textbook that explained that the conditions in the meat processors were horrible, besides the long hours, boring and repetitive tasks, and low pay that was common during the industrial revolution, that led to better meat inspection by the federal government. Despite this, I did learn some new things, such as the fact that the line speed, which is regulated by the USDA only to allow accurate meat inspections, is often too fast for the inspectors to find obvious rejects, and that the main problem that legal workers have is being able to have a bathroom break within a reason amount of time of their request, which is legally required by federal law. Even though I learned some new things, I have not really changed my eating habits, how I view life, or my view of the United States, which is that companies will do anything or nearly anything to make a profit, even if what they are doing is illegal or unethical.

Aware of waste

This unit on food politics has made myself conscious about the amount of food and resources we waste when there are ways and better alternatives to be made. My topic was on food waste and the ways we can reduce and reuse. Researching showed me how much resources we can waste just to produce the best looking, most appealing fruit to sell on the market. There are many other ways to in which food waste can be beneficial but it all depends on the effort and care the people, communities, and government are willing to contribute on the issue.
If I could go back 4 years with this knowledge, I probably would change how my family eats/buy groceries. Back when I was 13 years old, I didn’t have a say in what to eat every night, I just had to eat the food I am given. And the amount of food my family buys are in bulk from Costco, which sounds like a good thing since it’s cheaper per amount, but actually very inefficient in cost. The amount of money we spend on lots and lots of food ends up in the back of the fridge drawer and ends up being thrown away into the garbage. I would inform and help my family save money by buying wholesome foods that we only need.
I would change/influence the food industry by doing as much I can as a consumer. Changing the way the food industry waste on foods and resource is difficult for one person. So, I would support movements and organizations that help the cause on reducing food waste and influence the community and maybe change the way how food industries work.

America is Great?

Undoubtedly America is great, but how great? With the technology we have today, America has surpassed most of world in general, but there are many flaws to our system that prevents us from being the greatest. I remember when I was a kid watching food commercials with that hot chick on the Carls Jr. commercials, and the part that shook me the most was that, luscious, juicy hamburger. Back then I wasn't really thinking about the ingredients all I knew was that I wanted it. But thinking back to it now, I realized that the meat used in burgers are a no bueno; the way I look at hamburgers now is completely different, I can imagine the procedure of the cow getting mowed down then put into machines and shipped to manufacturers. Honestly, after watching the food inc. video, looking at any kind of meat disgusts me.

#STAYWOKE

This unit of food politics has opened my eyes about what truly goes on in the food industry, and frankly I am astounded. Although I believe that it is okay for humans to consume animals, I do not support treating animals (that we will consume later) in such harsh, inhumane ways. After watching Food Inc. in class, I was so hesitant when it came time to buy any poultry, I was unsure if I wanted to eat it when it was prepared later. Although in my household we choose to eat organic poultry, I just did not feel as secure as I did initially about where it came from and the type of tratement it received. All in all, this unit provided with evidence that our nation truly does not care for their people, because if they did, they would not raise our food in unsanitary ways. To continue, they make it so affordable to indulge in unhealthy, manufactured food just because it is cheaper for them. I was reminded about how this country is so greedy and only cares about money in their wallet.

Passive Eaters

This unit of food politics has to be one of the most interesting things I've been able to learn able to learn about in high school. Not only has it brought me new information about food I never knew, but it's also changed the way I view food as well. One of the most impacting thing I heard this unit was from Wendell Berry when he pointed out how much of America is not a passive consumer. This has realy changed the way I choose to eat and the way I view my food. I now try to view food as more than what it is, as something alive and wonderful. The biggest thing I want to avoid is being is passive towards my food and to just eat because, well, I have to. I'd rather look at my food and acknowledge all the growing and cooking needed to bring itself into whatever dish I'm eating.
From here on out I think my choices and eating habits will be substantially different than they were before. One thing I've definitely tried to fix is how often I attempt to cook and although its still a work in progress, I think I'm doing rather well.
Overall this unit has left me some important lessons to think about and has also given me the confidence to research something I know little to nothing about if I wish to learn more.

A new beginning

         This unit was rather challenging yet quite fascinating and enjoyable. It totally changed my whole perspective on food and how I look at our society. The process was eye opening and gave me a deeper appreciation on foods.
          I never really cared about what I ate as long as it was good and cheap because I'm broke. I constantly bought hot Cheetos from school and came home eating microwaveable foods because it was the fastest/easiest way to get a meal. I would eat mcdonalds blindly not caring what was actually in it or where it came from.
          To me a meal was just something that fuels you up for your next journey. I don't really think of it any more or any less. We have the freedom to choose what we eat, but if someone else controls how we eat it and where it came from, then what's the freedom in that?
           I found myself connecting more with nature. I'm more attentive to what I eat, the quality of my foods, and where it came from. A meal is no longer just something to get by. I also found myself cooking more and eating out less. I have more control and freedom to what I want to eat, how I want to eat it, and what goes in it. I'm excited to see where this new food journey takes me. It's a whole new beginning starting off with a healthy happy life.

Cool beans.

Well.  I kinda just want to be a hermit.  I’ve been pretty annoyed with politics lately, especially with what’s going on right now.  I haven’t been watching the news (which is pretty out of character for me) and I’ve been kind of detached from society.  I never had social media.  Honestly, it’s better this way.

A big part of my paper (it was on communal farms) was about how the government is failing us.  No matter how much money we decide to throw at it to fix these problems, it’s just not going to happen.  We can’t even trust the guys up there to do the right thing for the good of the people, the very definition of their job.  The only person I can depend on is, well, me.

Wendell Berry was onto something when he said that the only way to live free was to grow your own food.  I can’t think of anything more liberating than growing your food (or knitting your own clothes.)

For those of you who don’t know, I really like beans.  I really, really, like them.  My favorite plant family is definitely the legume family.  I’ve grown plants before, but I’m excited because I’m growing black beans this year.  My parents aren’t necessarily thrilled with having a big black tray full of dirt by the window sill at the moment, but come harvest time they’ll change their tune.  I’m hoping that when I move out I’ll be completely self-sufficient as far as food goes.  Hopefully with a big greenhouse.  

I think a lot of problems could be solved if people would just grow their own food.  I wish we could have a community garden here.  There’s a few plant nurseries, so… Why not a garden?  Or why can’t we grow stuff like Ron Finley? (He has to be my favorite person on the planet right now.)  We could use our lawns.  Or grow lights inside the house. On the roof of an apartment complex.  Plants are really a lot of fun.  I wish more people were excited about gardening like I am.

Opening my eyes to the idea of Food

After completing this paper, I have began to realize how poorly I eat and how unaware I am about the difficulties people with low incomes go through just in the regard to food. I hope to share my knew knowledge with others around me and make a difference in maybe not the world but at least within the ones I love. When i'm at dinner eating I notice myself bringing up the fact that for instance the steak we are eating were probably corn fed cattle, and how all the boxed crap we have in our pantry is so unhealthy. Although I know that my diet will not completely change because there are things I like and it's easy I will try to make adjustments. This paper not only opened my eyes to what I can do, and what others can do but about what the government is not doing. Not taking care of its people. We have millions of people starving all around the world yet the government doesn't seem to care. Sure we make some announcements and help here and there but they have the power to maybe end poverty and hunger and yet nothing is being done about it. My view of this country has definitely changed, I thought the people in charge of us were doing all they can and clearly they are not. Hopefully things will start changing and me and my fellow classmates and peers can start almost a revolution within ourselves so that our future children and our families will live a healthier lifestyle.

A New Perspective On Food

Our country is one of the most developed and advanced in technology compared to many others around the world. As I come to think about the food we consume, I have began to see how much processed food we eat and continue to make. While doing this research project I found out more about what are in the foods we are putting into our bodies. I find it so interesting that many junk foods are sold at such low prices, while vegetables and fruits cost a little bit more. With low prices on foods that aren't so healthy, people will begin to choose the one with a better deal. But if I were to go back to 4 years ago with this knowledge, I would most likely be eating way more healthier than I am right now. If I had learned anything, it would be that if you want to eat healthy food that you feel is safe, it is better that you grow your own food for your own well being. Personally for me right now I am trying to sustain from drinking soda as I feel it isn't so healthy for me and I want to get into the habit of healthier eating again. I think that this project has also shaped me into always checking the food labels to see what are in them when I go to the grocery store. In conclusion everyone should be able to appreciate and consider the healthy choices foods that we can grow in our own backyard.

Applying What I Learned

This past month and a half has been a real eye opening experience for me.  We read and watched so many different things about how the food we eat, and our government produces, is just down right awful.  Watching Food, Inc. and listening to Maddie Fletcher speak were probably the highlights of this unit for me, and I’ll tell you why.  

Food, Inc., although pretty graphic at times, was very informational.  It brought my awareness to all of the disgusting things that goes on in our food industry.  I honestly can’t believe that the people in charge allow stuff like that to happen, especially in the meat department.  I think that we should start demanding better conditions for factories and plants because there is so much potential for a serious illness to outbreak the way things are produced now.  I honestly don’t know if I trust the government when it comes to some aspects of our food anymore.  I just don’t understand how people let it get so bad.

Maddie Fletcher also taught me quite a lot when she came to talk to us.  I remember her saying something along the lines of, “Know where your food is coming from.”  These past couple of weeks, I have found myself trying to find where my food is from.  Whenever I pick out produce I make sure I know where it was grown.  Knowing where my food is from kind of gives me peace of mind, and a greater appreciation for those who were involved in the process of getting my food to me.

This unit has changed the way I look at a lot of things in our food industry.  I hope that everyone learned as much as I did this past month, and that everyone continues to be conscious of what they put in their body.

My mindset has changed quite a bit from this paper because I found out even more information on vegetarianism and how it can benefit our earth. It was shocking to see how much water is wasted by raising livestock and on top of it the ground water is getting polluted. It definitely made me want to stick with being a vegetarian because it makes me feel like I'm helping out in a way. If I could go back 4 years, I'd tell myself everything that I learned and that would have probably made me stay a vegetarian.

?Food Or Tasteful Chemical compounds?

My mindset has significantly changed after this assignment. My research paper was based on vegetarianism and now I would like to pursue a vegetarian lifestyle by simply living off vegetation given to us by mother nature herself. The government is so terrible for allowing such artificial flavors and Genetically modified foods to be sold to the public as if it were naturally edible and healthy food.
I cant believe i have been so unconscious top what exactly it was that i was putting into my body each and every day.if i were to go back four years ago I would make sure my family and myself did not indulge in these terrible foods and convince them all to go vegetarian to expand our lives not even just going vegetarian but cutting out all the bad artificial food.

Wasting Food 3

To be honest, I already knew the world hates at least some of the food it always has. However, I did not expect the numbers to be so big and the fact that the United States wastes the most food, really caught me off guard, even though it should not have. Writing and reading about the topic of my essay, wasting food, was incredibly eye opening and it made me aware of my actions as I ate any meal or went food shopping. I am definitely more conscious about my eating habits and I try not to waste anything unless it absolutely can't be eaten or I am too full, hours it's rarely the latter as I also am aware of people around the world who are starving. Maybe me doing this will do nothing at all but I feel if a lot more people were to be more conscious of their actions when it comes to wasting food, we would see a decrease.  All in all, the act of working this paper and there's process of it as well helped me try to better my actions and habits.

Conclusion to Food Politics Unit

Coming into the ERW Food Politics unit, I already had an idea of what the food system in America consisted of. I had already seen a part of the Food Inc. documentary, so I feel that I was not completely blindsided by what was going on in America behind doors. Honestly I don't think I will ever cut meats from my diet, because I think of it as a main course for meals! Without meat there is a lack of protein, and that is vital for humans’ health.

Although after the food unit, I know that my knowledge has definitely expanded especially about the role of the FDA and food borne illnesses (my topic), with a more political side. 

In my opinion, sustainability is a big part of the goal that we have in America. And as a potential future engineer, I really want to incorporate ways to live “greener” and to change these techniques full of flaws! There is always room for improvement! Although knowing that we have so many people to feed, it is practically impossible to live with good quality and quantity in our foods!

Looking Back On Sugar

I didn't know what to expect to find when I started this research paper. But looking back, I knew I didn't have the "healthiest" diet when I was growing up. I never really ate meat or vegetables or anything I really needed to get the nutrients I should have had. But after watching a few Ted Talks and looking at some recent studies, I found out I was consuming a lot more sugar than I thought I had. In one of the Ted Talks I watched, I found out that four grams of sugar is equal to one teaspoon and that seven teaspoons of sugar (28 grams) should be the daily maximum. However, I know that I, for one, usually ignore the amount of sugar in each serving. But after looking at several articles, I realize that I should have kept a better watch on the amount of sugar I consume. Sugar is not only detrimental to our physical health, but our mental health as well. In the future, I should really read the labels carefully instead of throwing in whatever I'm accustomed to eating and keep in mind how much sugar I ingest every day in every serving.

The Truth Can Hurt

Having finished my research paper and learned all that I have about how we can improve farming and use technology to evolve it into something we can more easily connect with in society, it pains me to realize how little attention small movements to bring about a revolution in farming are so easily ignored or rather not given the attention they deserve by society. It is my hope that a decade or two from now, one would look to see many hydroponic farms and food computers stationed in every city fro public access, but you hope when you aren't fighting for something or don't believe you stand a chance. The stark truth is that I know that twenty years from now there very would could be an eruption so powerful in the farming culture that the attention they have been depraved of will be forcibly on them with many minds having to think up some form of action. Having learned what I have, it is my goal for the next five years to build my personal food computer and attempt to maintain a small hydroponic farming area for me and my community. I'm also planning to, when I'm living on my own, subscribe to a program that connects me with farmers to try and get my foods as close to the source as possible. I wish the UK well with their growing development of farm bots and hope their trading department manages to forge relations with us to exports these useful helpers to American farms. If only the US was as enthusiastic about engaging their resources to evolve the farming culture as the UK.

Thoughts on Gluten

As some of you may know, for the most part, I have cut gluten out of my diet. I made this decision a few years ago when I realized the serious effects it had on me. After I decided to be gluten-free, I no longer experienced the chronic headaches I would get everyday. Additionally, I stopped having unbearable stomach aches like I used to. For these reasons and many more, my current diet hasn’t had gluten in it for the past few years. As a result of my somewhat, unusual diet, I decided to do my research paper on a topic that meant a lot to me. Going into this paper, I thought it would be easy because I already knew so much on the topic. However, as I was reading, I learned so much more and now have a clearer understanding and more of a reason to stay gluten-free. I learned that although the effects of gluten on the body are harmful and can be avoided by cutting it out of the diet, I also learned that it’s equally important to replace the gluten-free products with whole foods that have plenty of nutrients, like fruits, vegetables, and meats. I also now have a clearer understanding of why gluten is harmful and the many other effects it can have on the body, like causing early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia, causing mood disorders and anxiety, and inducing leaky gut and other digestive issues. All in all, I’m glad I did my project on gluten, because I realized there was a lot I didn’t actually know and I now have more of a reason to continue being gluten free and can better explain to others the role of gluten in the American diet when I get asked why I have chosen to be gluten-free.

Change For The Better

So this Food Politics unit has got me thinking about things that I never thought I really need to pay attention to. Like advertisements. I always looked at those things as something to mock and use to start a conversation. Now, it's like one of those hypnotic swirls that makes you talk about it so you want to do something with it. If that makes any sense. I mean, the commercials selling products like candies or fast foods are trying to hypnotize you to make you wanna buy their products despite you knowing that it's unhealthy.
I've always considered myself a bit cynical and skeptical, but now I think I'm just disappointed (and ten times more cynical and skeptical). Personally, our country isn't the greatest nation that's ever been, but it has come close to doing many great things for its people than some other nations. Now I feel like our country is regressing because of the greed that corrupts so many brilliant minds in corporations. What I eat now, I can't fully enjoy without thinking about abusive animal farms or how I'm an active participant in this endless cycle of the food industry's games. My consciousness is not at ease about what I eat.
So far what I want to do to ease my consciousness is to start my own garden of vegetables and fruits. Hopefully I can start on it during, maybe, spring break. I want to do my part in appreciating the food that I have and grow. In order to live a better life, I need to change for the better starting with what I eat.

AF: Blogging, Third Course

One more blog post and one more comment by Thursday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m.

Options:

• How has your mindset changed about our country? About what you eat? About your consciousness?

• If you could go back 4 years with this knowledge of the food industry, would you change anything about your life?
• Innovator: what would you do to change or influence the food industry in any way? Write a proposal.

Better Decisions

Before our topic of food began I didn’t really think too deeply about our food products, labels or how things were grown. Our class discussions about food waste, and areas in need grow their own organic food  has given me a deeper insight of our food productions, companies and their regulations. What exactly can we as a whole do to resolve the reprimanding problems today? I think more of this understanding about food needs to be shared globally in order to help our environment in any way. However food production has come a long way both in better and worse terms, watching Food Inc made my stomach churn but guilty that I was a part of something so devastating. I suggest we need to start changing our eating habits in order to be an example for our future generations and kids. Our country is constantly changing by inventing new ways to help our growing population and finding out ways to “help” the environment, but by changing nature (like feeding animals what they’re not made to be eating like feeding corn to cow which has a grass-fed diet.) is utterly disappointing. I think if I knew more about this 4 years ago I would have started researching more and choose my foods more carefully. I think we can all agree that in some form we have learned about food that has influenced our way of thinking about the future of food.
Here's an article worth reading.
https://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/deep-thinking-about-the-future-of-food/

How should I organize my essay?

I am hoping to find out that all farmers go back to using the same methods as before. Although these chemicals being used make it so that the crops and animals grow faster, is it really worth risking the lives of innocent people that are simply just enjoying a meal. Going back to the old methods does not mean that it will eliminate all the of the chances of people dying because of their food, but it will definitely lower it by a huge margin. Anyways, I know exactly what i want to talk about but I am having trouble organizing everything and making sure that i get my ideas out there. I as told that my rough draft had some really good points, but it needed to be more organized because I was all over the place. I want to be able to know what order I should write about things in. I mention a good idea, but I don't elaborate on it which is causing me to be a hot mess. My draft was really disorganized and it wasn't that the paragraphs were sorted funky, it was that none of the paragraph talked about a specific thing. It was more like random statements put in to paragraph. I want to have a flow to my research paper and not have random statements in the middle of a paragraph where it does't fit.

GMO

For my research paper, I chose to challenge our class resources/ted talks opposition to genetically modified organisms and prove why it's vital to feeding the world today. After my own research I have found that GM foods are the future to feeding not only the rich, but also the poor and hungry. Since the last 100 years, the population has more than tripled and so has the rate of malnourished people. With the help of GMO’s alterations in vitamins and nutrients, food is now affordable, sustainable, and even more beneficial to our bodies. Genetically modified foods ability to be stored for long periods of time and mass produced are what has helped us provide for the ever growing population. Many conservatives find it hard to grasp the idea of technology in our food, however it is the future.

My goal I hope to achieve in this paper is to provide another point of view on GM foods and maybe gain some supporters. So far in class we've only been given one opinion about GM foods, and how they are not environmentally sustainable and not to be trusted in our bodies. I want to change this belief through my paper. So far research for my paper has been quite easy as well as tying in other important topics. Some small topics I am also trying to cover in my paper revolving GMO’s role in feeding the world are: global hunger, third world countries access to food, the history of GMO leading to today, big vs. small corporation in production, government subsidy (affordable food), the global food trade, and the U.S’s role in feeding the world. My question for you is: “Are there any other ways besides traditional farming to feed a population of 7 billion?”

I'm getting somewhere

So my topic for this Food Politics unit is how food advertising affects the youth. It's basically dealing with how the food industries target mainly children and adolescents because of how vulnerable and susceptible they are to outside influences especially if what they're being sold is cheap and delicious. I'll also be discussing how families, schools, and even the food industries could improve themselves to better fit for children's health. It centers on what we've been doing wrong as role models for children and how we can make it better in time. It'll help for others to read altogether so we can try to implement the idea of eating better starting at home, then in school for kids to have a healthier life. I feel like my research might be running short in some areas of current articles, well really current details. My research is good from a few years ago, but it makes me nervous a bit if one of my sources isn't as recent as like yesterday. I guess I hope my research shows me how serious it can be to continue on a life style where we follow whatever food advertisements says and states the actual statistics of how this can negatively affect children. In a way what I need help finding for my research topic is numbers, like statistics and charts or graphs about the declining health of children in America due to food advertisements. Hopefully, I can find some information like that. Does anyone know a website like that? Or anything about childhood obesity? But is the complete article though? Because from what I've seen so far, they're only showing abstracts or summaries of the articles and if you want the rest, you'll have to rent or buy the article online. Honestly, I don't want to do that at all. If you have any info about that or maybe how to find the same article but without paying for it, then that'll be very helpful and I'll very much appreciate it. Good luck with your own research topics!!

Revising for a broader perspective

    For the first-write rough draft we passed around last week, my question was about how we can allow healthy food to be more accessible and affordable for low-income families and communities. And I had planned out each topic I wanted to do into ten paragraphs, including topics such as the struggle of poverty-stricken areas, obesity and undernourishment of lower-income families, food stamps and government assistance, and the reason for the price difference with processed and organic foods, and how lower income individuals can have better access and financial ability to purchase healthy foods as a lifestyle. I’ve been debating to change everything entirely because of my indecisiveness and fear that it’s not going to be good enough research, but finally came to terms with the direction I want to be headed.

    I instead decided to change my research question, and incorporate my initial research question as one of the topics in my paragraphs of my paper. I think one of my main problems is the pickiness I have with choosing articles that I feel will thoroughly support my argument, which is therefore why I had chosen to go for a broader question. As I was typing my second draft, barely scratching the surface of the government’s involvement in the food system in America, I had so much more to say and realized that I wanted to base my research on the government’s responsibility to protect American consumers and the power that the food industry giant’s have in the government. I highly encourage everyone to outline each topic they want to focus on for ten paragraphs, it lessens the vagueness feeling of what direction you want to go with your essay. Keep digging deeper in your research and you may keep finding connections and hefty support for your paper. Good luck

Hormones in our Meat Products

My topic is adrenaline hormones found in our meat animal products, and so far I am doing pretty good with finding research.  My only issue is trying to put everything together to make it sound nice.  I have so many good ideas and opinions and what have you, but putting all of it together into a paper is a bit of a challenge.  Also, I am unsure of whether or not we are supposed to include our own personal opinions and make our paper from a biased point of view, or completely factual? I know that it is a research paper so for the most part it should be research based, but is it safe to include our opinions too?  Lastly,  I am having some trouble formulating an actual question.  I have a topic and overall direction that my paper is going to go in, but I just can't come up with a question. Maybe towards the end once my paper is closer to finished then it will be easier to come up with something.  I hope everyone is coming along well with their research!

Working Conditions

My topic is about how the federal government should regulate the working conditions in food factories and why it should regulate the working conditions in food factories. Through the research, I hope to find the causes of what happens that are illegal and/or unsafe for the workers in food factories and what the federal government can legally do to prevent or reduce these activities or conditions. I already have stories that anecdotally say what happens in food factories and explain their causes and results. Despite this I am falling short and need help in finding articles that explain what parts of the federal government are able to regulate the working conditions in food factories and how they are able to regulate it, as well as any loopholes that prevent effective regulation. I am also falling short and need help in finding articles that explain how effective that the current laws are as well as any challenges for current or new laws. These laws can include wage law, immigration law, as well as any other laws relating to employment or the inspection of food. The articles could also be about what the food factories usually do illegally, why they do it, how they get away with it, and how to enforce these laws more effectively or the difficulties that workers might have with enforcing the current laws, such as not knowing about these laws or forgetting, if applicable, that there are anonymous ways to report violations, and how to mitigate this. Basically, I am asking "What hindrances, if any, are there that prevent effective regulation of working conditions in food factories?"

Sugar isn't the only thing that's depressing

My topic is about how sugar and other processed food are linked to depression. Also, I'm trying to find the benefits and hindrances of cutting out those same unnecessary sugars. Waking Times' article, How Processed Food and Sugars Cause Depression, the number one culprit is refined sugars and processed fructose. Several other articles I've looked at mentioned fructose, too. Sugar is found to suppress the activity of a key growth hormone in the brain called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF and BDNF levels are critically low in both depression and schizophrenia. Processed food ingredients also contribute to depression and other mental health problems. Genetically engineered ingredients makes a significant change to gut flora, promoting pathogens and wiping out beneficial microbes needed for ideal mental and physical health. Glyphosate, another GE ingredient, has been shown to cause mineral deficiencies which are essential for brain function and mood control.

While I'm finding more information about the cons of processed food and sugar, I still need to look for apparent "pros". Does sugar even have any benefits or perks?

Food Computers v. Traditional Farmer

Some people does not have the resources or enough space to grow make their own farm, the creation of food computers allows them to fully grow a plant they would like in their own house or property.  My topic is knowing the effects of food computers before and after the official release, or if it is going to be released to the public for a decent price. This is one of the many effects of food computers but the thing that worries me the most is the aftermath, with food computers now introduced to society, the percentage of people going outside and physically setting up crops will decrease. Though society has yet to notice the downside of food computers, there are a lot of negatives that can occur with food computers such as defects, water malfunctions, growing of different plants, or even machinery explosion. Though the chances of these instances occurring is low but still plausible, with these side effects put to the side establishing a new concept to society can have an unpredictable effect. That’s what I need help with, figuring out all the possible outcome food computers can have on society. I feel that when people find an easier way of doing things, others doing that same thing traditional will look at that newer way more negatively, but there can be a switch from going to a traditional farmer to owning a warehouse full of food computers. The subject that boggles me is that what will customary farmers do when food computers becomes more acceptable to society?

The American Obesity Epidemic

I am currently working on answering the question: "What is the cause and cure of the American obesity epidemic?" My original topic was not about the American epidemic, but it was about high fructose corn syrup. I changed my topic because there is only so much you can talk about regarding high fructose corn syrup and I fear that I will not reach the required amount of pages to complete the research paper. So now my paper will be talking about obesity and to answer the question stated above. American obesity has been a large problem since the rise of fast food restaurants and soda companies, but there are many other first-world nations that do not have this epidemic. I have a good guess that the higher consumption and less exercise in American society could be the root of American obesity, but I have not researched much to be entirely sure. I am hoping to find a lot of answers as to why America is the fattest nation in the world and the many possible ways to cure it. The only question I have is, what topics should I explore regarding obesity? One of the topics I have already is about high fructose corn syrup, but I am still deciding about the other topics I want to implement on the paper. Some ideas I have is the boom of fast food restaurants, higher consumption of meat in America, and the different ways to fight against obesity. Please comment some ideas below because it would really help me in my paper. Thank you!

Sources, anyone ?

Once again, my topic is food security. Food security is when people have access to safe and nutritious food to meet dietary needs and food preferences for a healthy life on a daily basis. Having security about eating on a daily basis should be a privelledge; likewise, families should not have to be in fear about whether they will have access to another meal or not. For my first draft, I only touched briefly on factors that affect food security. This included availability, accessibility, utilization, and sustainability;however, I have much more important information to add. In my opinion, food security is a broad topic and I plan on incorporating every component there is to have an effective research paper. I would like to integrate food waste, production levels, crop rotation, and pesticides to name a few. My plan is to somehow tie in these ideas together so that they flow and make sense. When we were asked to partner up in class, my partner Amanda gave me many helpful tips and further research ideas; likewise, I do not think I need anymore. That activity was so helpfu this time around. On the other hand, more sources would be very helpful ! Lately it has been difficult to find sources that focus on food security, especially videos. Like I mentioned in my last post, videos are very resourceful to me. Do you know of any ? Or even videos that you believe pertain to food security in some way would work! 

Start changes to benefit everyone

As I stated before my question is How does the environment we live in affect what we eat, the availability of food, and what we can afford? After researching more about this topic I have came to more questions. What I hope to get out of this project is a way to change our environment so that everyone can be healthier. To see what is influencing our decisions and to see how we can change it. If there are too many billboards advertising fast food take some down and add billboards encouraging healthy foods. Start more healthy food chains. If where you live doesn't get the best arrangement of fruits and vegetables at your market , stand up and ask. Figure out ways to bring healthy food into your community. Hopefully writing this paper encourages new ideas to be formed so that our bad habits and attitudes will change. Maybe the start of more farmer markets in more areas, more farms, and more gardens will be grown. Influencing good habits into children's brains when they are young so that they can teach others and grow up with healthy eating habits not always eating fast food. Not only what we eat should change , but our activity everyday, walking to more places, taking hikes, going to the park to play with your kids, involving more exercise so that our bodies are in good shape. Another factor, money, it's the biggest contributor to our lives and affects everything we do even what we eat. Those that don't make a lot of money are able to buy fast food but not vegetables to make a balanced meal, something is wrong with this. A change should be made to allow all incomes not matter what to have healthy options. How else are we going to make a difference if we don't even give people the chance to afford and get resources needed.

Hey Guys, Let's Talk About Communism

So I’m trying to solve obesity and world hunger with the same solution.  I decided that things would be a lot better if we just grew our own food and looked out for each other.  Sounds nice, doesn’t it?  Living in an agricultural utopia where we all get along, everyone has enough food, and we’re all taken care of.  Well apparently Marx, Stalin, and Lenin had the same idea.  We all know that Communism didn’t work, and that there was mass starvation.  I just don’t know why.  I never really looked into it. Communism is good in theory, but not in practice.  I’m trying to create a model civilization like a kibbutz and I keep finding these weird political ideologies I haven’t even heard of, like anarcho-syndicalism.  I’m not really into politics or government, but it’s kind of necessary for a community to function properly… Right?

            Anyway, I’m kind of struggling with the ‘politics’ part of my food politics paper.  I think if I wanted to understand more about this, I’d have to research more about the Israeli government and the role it plays in the kibbutz, which is apparently pretty minimal. 

            There are a lot of issues with having a society like that.  For one thing, most people don’t consider farming or anything agriculture-related as their career of choice.  Another thing to think about is the structure of its government.  Another issue entirely is our nature as human beings.  I tend to believe that human beings are generally bad, and that we do things to further our own interests and what we have is never enough.  Humans are constantly trying to prove their better than anyone else, and they probably won’t thrive on a situation where everyone has to take care of each other.  Then again, the vast majority of us depend on a few farmers and the companies they work for, for food. I might be going a little too deep into it, but I really want to find the solution.  What do you guys think? 

I'm Stuck

My topic is about how there are benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet. Not just for our health, but also for our planet because there are a lot of negative affects on the environment from eating so much meat and what goes on in farms and factories. What we are eating is actually killing us and slowly killing the environment from all the waste, bacteria, and carbon emissions from the farms and farm animals. I’m hoping to find more information on is how it relates to the politics side of the issue because it’s just beneficial things that I’ve found so far not really anything government related.  

What should I look up?

Do We Really Know What We're Eating?

The topic I have chosen to write about for my research is about genetically modified foods, their effects, and ways we could choose better foods to put into our body. I mainly want to focus on the controversy of how GMOs can affect us and ways to for us to become healthy eaters. We never have really acknowledge what is in the foods that we consume, but I hope that I can go more into detail about what is happening to crops that are being genetically modified.

As of right now I have written about what GMOs are, the differences between America and Canada's reliability on genetically modifying crops versus Europe's ban on the process, the benefits and cons of genetically modifying crops, and an alternate method like gene-editing. One of the biggest points I would like to mainly elaborate on is the benefits and disadvantages of GMOs. In addition to that I am also hoping to write how GMO foods can also harm the environment and possibly even our own offspring. Most of the research I have done so far acknowledges the effects of foods that have been modified.

Other than that I’m not too entirely sure on what else to write about on my paper. So I am willing to take any suggestions on what to add onto my research paper. I also want any feedback on topics I should try finding more information about. Lastly if there are any articles or websites anyone would like to share please feel free to send or link them to me, it would be greatly appreciated! I wish everyone the best of luck! :))

Reducing food waste & Feeding the world?

Since the last blog post, I’ve decided to do my research paper on food waste and how to utilize excess food to our advantage. As I dig into this topic, I’m finding that most foods that are still edible and usable are being thrown away by not only supermarkets but also common households. An average American person throws away about 40 percent of their food. That’s $165 billion dollars worth of food waste being feed to landfills each year. I’m finding good, informative resources for my paper, but there still a question I’m not quite sure if there’s a solution to.

Since the beginning of our research assignment,  I wondered if there was a way to utilize excess food to feed hungry starving people on a global scale. Solutions that I’ve found were more for what the average individual can do, such as save leftover food, or buying what we only need. There’s also the option of donating the food to charities/organizations. However, there hasn’t been any methods to reduce food waste that would also fix world hunger. Maybe because the approach may seem far-fetched, but I believe there’s a way to do this. I’ll try to continue researching on this but if you guys have anything that might be helpful please leave a link, I’d appreciate it!

Wasting Food

For my essay question I was inspired by a TED talk by Tristram Stuart, in which he brings up this big issue that many places now waste a lot of food - especially the United States. Basically, he made me want to explore the question of what we could do to alleviate this problem. However, problems need to be taken care of at their source of origin and so I have to discover the number of ways in which we waste food so as to prevent that from happening again. Through reading a good number of articles, I have discovered that there are many ways that we let food go to waste. Ironically, we make too much of some products, yet we still have starving stomachs in our country, and since we're the most fed country, that can only mean worse for others. One of the reasons some of the produce or crops that are grown do not make it to supermarkets, is because of their shape because apparently we, humans, are too shallow and picky to even eat the slightest deformed potato. Another way in which we encourage this problem to get worse is by buying a lot of something and not even getting around to eating it all. All of these things I have discovered are perfect for my essay, I believe. I just have to follow a fellow peer's advice and add a bit of statistical evidence - something mathematical to prove and further strengthen my point. What solutions are there to decrease the amount of food that goes to waste?

The topic I chose to research has to do with different resolutions the government can implement in order to decrease obesity rates for future generations such as adding food education to our school curriculum and enacting sin tax to junk and processed foods. My goal to achieve while researching this topic is to compare out country to others and see where our obesity problem stems. Why is obesity such a big thing in our country? What are other countries doing to promote public health and why aren't we doing the same to ensure that our citizens are healthy? 

In my research paper I have about 10 paragraphs talking about food education alone and how food education needs to be implemented to our curriculum so that kids are aware of the effects that processed foods can do to your body. I also discussed how home economics should be a part of the curriculum as well so that kids learn how to cook rather than relying on fast food. In the meantime, I've just been researching sin tax on junk foods and how it works in different countries so that I'm prepared to write the next section of my paper. Thankfully I haven’t hit any roadblocks for this paper. For the most part, everything has just been a breeze and I’m surprisingly having a fun time researching and comparing how America differs from other countries. It’s extremely interesting.

My question to you is: what do you think the government should do in order to promote public health? 

Is the safety of our food in question?

My food research topic talks about if the food that America produces is safe and healthy to eat, as well as the effects it is having on the country. My goal for this topic is to find out if the people of the United States should be concerned about how their food is being produced.So far in my rough draft, I have about four solid paragraphs that I feel that I can expand upon even further.

In my rough draft, I have talked about the growth of the horrid process, factory farming. With factory farming,  I have listed the risks that we are allowing by using this process. I have also talked about how factory farms are affecting the currently diminishing family farms.  Another thing I have spoken about in the rough draft is about GMOs and chemicals that are put into our food.

Currently, I have hit a wall and can't think about what to write next. I have constantly looked up articles about how our food is being produced, but I end up in the same subjects of GMOs, chemicals, factory farming, etc.  Right now, I am in need of some different topics of discussion. Are there any topics of food that concerns you about health or safety? I would greatly appreciate the help.

What are the technicalities?

So during the weekend, I was researching more facts that I can use for my paper. My research topic is food waste and the environmental problems humans are creating for ourselves. The amount of sources I have are really helping me out and they are informative, however, one thing that has been quite difficult for me to find is exactly why we are producing so much food when so much goes to waste. Yes, the demand of food was risen with the population continuing to grow yet 25-45% of food goes untouched and left to get wasted. I have resources that enable me to have an idea, but I am just starting to wonder if we are making so much because we rather have more than enough than not enough? Like, what are the technicalities to this question and why is there not a certain answer. I know there can be multiple answers to this, but if anyone has any sources that can help me with this question, I would really appreciate if you commented below and left the link.

Another question this research paper has led me to was the human health risks we are creating with the air pollution. For example, because of the quantity of human waste we are creating, what does all the methane in the air doing to us humans? I have yet to look this up but this is a serious question we must to take into consideration. Any diseases that continue to grow with our environment worsening that are linked to methane in the air?

Is gluten-free just a fad?

Like a few other people who have already posted, I have changed my research topic since my last blog post. My new topic of research is how gluten affects our body. I chose this topic because it’s something that I’ve had to deal with and I was interested to actually do research on it and find out the role of gluten in our bodies.

My main source is from the Huffington Post, and the article is titled “This Gluten-Free Thing Is a Really Overblown Fad!” This article discusses how many people believe the gluten-free lifestyle is a fad and will eventually fade. The writer, Mark Sisson, argues that it’s more than just a fad and proves that through many examples of people who have been affected by gluten.

I haven’t had any problems finding research for my topic because gluten and its effects is a heavily debated topic right now. Some people believe gluten is bad and should be avoided and others argue that it’s not that big of a deal. I’ve been able to find many sources for my topic, and I’ve been making good progress in the paper itself. So far, I have about 5 pages done and I’m aiming for a few more because I still have some things I need to talk about. I’ve found that the outline has actually helped me a lot for figuring out what to write about for each paragraph. It helps keep me organized and focused so my paper isn’t all over the place.

The only thing that I am still trying to figure out is how I am going to tie my topic into the politics aspect. I have a few ideas, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks. (:

Food Marketing

For my research topic I’ll be addressing food marketing: a way in the food system between the food consumer and farmer/producer. It is the process of advertising food in a way to appeal to the consumer such as processing, wholesailing, retailing, food service and transportation functions. I wanted to find out more about behind the scenes of how well our food is taken care of. Surprisingly a lot of people don’t know much about food marketing, I’ve learned there are many tactics used to target people (mostly children). Have you ever bought something “seen as on tv” but it turns out it wasn’t as great as it seems? Also, I think that  it’s crazy how people pay for tv and most of it is just commercials and ads. I think this is why they target kids because they’re much more vulnerable and gullible. I believe eating healthy should be given as much attention as junk food has. As a kid you don’t know these things, I believe it’s the parent responsibility as well to take care of their child’s health.

I picked this topic because I always wonder how food commercials or ads are fake or as real as it is. I wanted to measure the authenticity of the food we buy. I always wondered who decides a brand is the #1 leading brand or the world’s best cereal. Besides finding out about food industries tactics and labeling I’m having trouble finding more things to talk about in my research paper. Do you guys have any suggestions to watching or reading articles related to my topic? In a way do you think we are being brainwashed by tv? So far I have a few paragraphs and then a couple bullet points about what I want to write, do you guys have anything you would want to know more about that I could mention in my paper? I’m also having trouble coming up with a solid topic question because I believe it’s not controversial enough.

Does Regulation Actually Work?

Like I said earlier, my topic is on whether or not food regulation actually helps to protect the consumer and the product. So far I've had a pretty easy time finding articles and reliable sources to build up my argument. I've been able to really find out the truth behind our nation's food regulation system and the flaws it has. A lot of things go unnoticed behind the scenes, things we wouldn't expect. For example, one thing I've learned thus far is that most genetically modified products are classified as "substantially equal" to natural crops and therefore do not require inspection or testing.
The biggest challenge I'm having right now is finding a way that my information flows nicely and doesn't sound off or jumbled. Like I mentioned at the beginning of my post I have good sources but I still need a couple more to ensure that my paper if filled with good supportive information. I also need to finish writing a couple more paragraphs because I'm at five right now but I know that over the weekend I'll definitely be writing and working on completing all the notebook work.
Overall, its really fun to be able to find out so much about our food even though at times it may be somewhat gross. If anyone finds an article relating to food-borne illnesses and regulation I would really appreciate it if you could send it my way! I hope you're all doing well on your research ans if you guys need help finding articles I'll be more than happy to share some of the ones I've found. :)

"Best by" not "throw me away now" on food packaging

When most, if not all, of us see the “best by” or “sell by” on our tuna cans or syrup or barbecue sauce, we usually throw it away in the light of the fact we assure it is no longer good for us to consume. With milk, the date label on our gallon is the day our milk begins to smell by the rim it tastes sour, however, that is not the case with all foods.

In the link below, the website page includes how 90% of Americans throw out their still-fresh food since it is seemed to be expired. ReFED is an organization who is trying to prevent food waste. Their research has led to about $29 billion of wasted money customers have spent on food. Standardize date labeling is said to believe to be a way we can reduce the amount of money spent on food that ends up in a dump by eliminating the dates on food packaging because it leads people to believe that is when their food is no longer good when in fact their food may not be the best quality, but it is fresh enough for someone to eat with no problems.

No longer adding the date labels to food packaging can result in lower food waste and fewer fines since retailers who have past-date products on their selves in their stores is illegal. Customers, retailers, and manufacturers all benefit from not longer having the date labels. Despite wanting to remove the labels, other language to keep people aware of the freshness of their food can be by stating “best if used by” and “manufacturer's suggestion only”.

http://www.refed.com/solutions/standardized-date-labeling 

Game of Drones

So it's time for another blog post (hurray!) and its on the research paper, and I'm doing it on the automation of the food industry.  Automation has changed a lot for us in the past couple of years, giving us cheaper products and better made electronics etc.  You probably don't know that automation is exploding onto the food scene in a big way, from farms that do not have a single soul that tends them, to factories that churn out products by the thousands daily due to automation, to the drone that delivers you a pizza (if your area has them.).  Well here's the deal, I have the information on where they are used, but not exactly how these machines are used for the various jobs that they take over from us.  I think that's important for a research paper, don't you? I hope to find out though, it would be great if I did, it would speed along my writing a decent amount, I might even finish this paper too, that'd be great.  I might need help in finding data on cost of automation v cost of human worker but other than that I think I could find everything else pretty easy enough and that'll be that, paper done, paper turned in.  Hey Fletcher, if you're reading this can, Can I get an A? consider it a late Christmas gift. Thanks bunches. Seriously though, I just need to hit the pavement on this project and get it done, that's the plain truth of it to be honest.

Foodborne Illnesses and the FDA's Role

My final topic that I ended up choosing was foodborne illnesses and how the FDA plays a role. I have a solid five pages done with thick paragraphs that are usable for my final draft. I got most of my draft done over the previous weekend, knowing that I had a math test the same day the draft was due. So with time management, I productively found myself on my laptop, researching the afternoon away.

A big part that I have to work on is setting a thesis statement, as well as organizing my paragraphs to support my overall thesis. I just need to take the weekend to organize my paper and start perfecting it for my final.

I also have to incorporate the citations for the handful of articles that I used, with also finding a balance between using too many articles, or not using enough. With that being said, my works cited page is ready to go! I am aware that citations are my weaknesses, and that I really need to take the time to make sure they’re integrated correctly.

Although, I find myself still not having a set question, and I need to use those stasis questions to really squeeze out a question. If anyone can help me propose my question, I was thinking about asking “How does the FDA play a role in foodborne illnesses?” but I am not confident that there is a correct answer to my question or if it sounds a bit odd or funky. If anyone can help me or give me reassurance to use this question, that would be great!

So far, so good.

I have changed my topic since our last blog post.  I decided to write my paper on the different ways to curb the obesity epidemic in the United States. Thankfully, I have had some pretty good luck with finding quality sources pertaining to my topic.  So far I have six sources, two from the packet that Ms. Fletcher gave us (Mark Bittman and Alice Waters and Katrina Heron) and four from reliable online resources. If there’s anyone out there that is writing about obesity, I found that Jane Brody from the New York Times had some very interesting and helpful topics.  I would definitely look into her work if you haven’t already.  

I find that the most challenging part about writing this paper thus far is my paragraph structure.  I feel like all of my paragraphs are so long.  I don’t know if I should try to chop them up or if I should just leave them long.  I have two more things that I need to talk about, which should bring me to around eight or nine body paragraphs.  If you add in the introduction and conclusion paragraphs, I should be at around eleven paragraphs for my entire paper, which falls within the requirement.  At this point I don’t know if I should add more to my paper or just leave it at eleven.  Although we only need to write a minimum of ten paragraphs, I still feel like eleven isn’t that many, especially for a research paper.  

I want to know how long your papers are, so I can fix mine according to everyone else’s lengths.  If you could leave a comment about the length of your paper that would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and good luck!

AF: Food Blogging, Second Course

DUE MONDAY, MARCH 20 by 6:00 p.m.

The PROMPT: Complete at least one post where you seek out further information needed surrounding your topic. Write a 250-300-word post explaining your topic, what you hope to find through the research, and detailing where your research is falling short. What are you needing help finding? Pose a question to your classmates in order to get help. Also, complete at least one comment on someone else’s post.

Price of Obesity

     Nowadays, it's quite obvious to see that healthy fruits and vegetables are more expensive than processed junk food such as ice cream, cookies, noodles, etc. Just by observing the prices on the produce, meats, snacks, and desserts, that gap is easily seen. The consequence of this behavior shown by the food industry is shown through the increasing rates of obesity, rise of big food companies, more processed and corn-containing foods, and higher prices of produce.

     The article explains why the price gap between these foods exist. It explains factors such as labor costs, high demand, better flavor, cheaper production, technological advancements in factory processing, and genetic modification. But because we are being geared towards those cheaper unhealthy foods, our health is declining. According to the article, research conducted in the UK showed that "almost three-quarters of men and two-thirds of women in the UK would be overweight or obese in 15 years time" unless the government takes decisive actions to help tackle it. The article suggests that "by imposing a VAT-style 17.5% tax on less healthy food and using the proceeds to subsidize fruit and vegetables would save between 3,600 to 6,400 premature deaths a year from diet-related diseases". The problem would be that most people who blindly enjoy eating the way they do now won't support these health measures.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/may/11/falling-price-processed-foods-obesity-crisis-tax

How will food be produced in the future?

http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/365/1554/2769

In my topic I want to talk about how our food will be produced. The article talks about how our food will be grown with more scientific methods because we are producing a low amount of food. Our food has really become less and less real food as the years go by. Although it still is food most of it is made with chemicals and has food supplements in it. They have been using chemicals to try to mass produce our products even though they cause harm once in a while. At the moment farmers still grow their crops, but what if in the future our food is grown by machines? What if all it takes is a click of a button? Maybe using robots will make it so that the crops are planted faster, but what if those machines don't take care of the crops the proper way and they crops die and you have to wait a couple of more months so that you can finally get your food.

GM foods role in feeding the world

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/327/5967/812.full

For my topic, I came across this article that supports why genetically modified foods are vital in this day and age. With the population constantly growing, so is the growing competition between land, water, and energy. Because of the vast population, there's more wealth and purchasing power to demand for processed food, meat, dairy, and fish from farmers. The three challenges present when feeding the world are: a) Matching the rapidly changing demand for food, but in a environmentally and socially sustainable way b) Make food stable and affordable c) Available year round.

Agricultural sustainability is now mandatory for the population and GM foods provides for that need. GM foods helps make feeding the population easy and affordable. It helps with the preservation of food to supply year round, making certain foods much more dense in nutrients, and most importantly it is within reach of everyone regarding income.

The globalization of the food system is crucial for food producers to have access to larger markets, not only for their own investments, but more importantly to spread the supply of food around the world. Food production and the growth of the population both occur at different rates in different geographic regions, making global trade necessary to meet supply and demand across regions.

Kibbutz

Hello everyone. I'm a little late to this party but I figured I should talk about what I'm doing, since I'm the only one doing it. I'm planning on writing my paper on communal farming.  A communal farm is exactly what it sounds like. It's a community based on farming.  How it relates to the government and politics, I'm not sure.  But I'm fairly certain that if everyone grew their own food, it would solve a lot of problems, spanning from world hunger to obesity. As I was researching, I came across something called a kibbutz.  A kibbutz is a communal farm in Israel.  Before Israel was a country, it was a part of Palestine. For a time, Jewish people were moving back there and creating kibbutzim (that's the plural form) and successfully sustaining themselves on agriculture in a hostile environment, and even eradicated malaria where they farmed.  Interesting stuff.  So now I'm sort of investigating how the government is involved with these farms and how feasible this thing really is.  Historically, stuff like this doesn't work.  But somehow this is still a thing. Check this out.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/history-and-overview-of-the-kibbutz-movement
Good luck with your research, you guys!