Food Choice in an Age of Abundance: Six Women Who Shaped What Americans Eat

American foodways are always changing, perhaps never more so then in the post-World War II period when industrial agriculture, processing, and global trade led to unprecedented food abundance.  The benefits of abundance include better health, stemming from sufficiency as well as variety and quality.  Abundance also lowered food costs, increased access, and led to greater focus on food as an important part of culture.  Abundance demonstrated the success of the modern food system, benefiting millions of people throughout the country.  

There were also downsides to abundance.  Industrial agricultural relied on monocultures and an increase of pesticides.  The increased emphasis on yield and efficiency led to decreased soil fertility, animal abuse, and a loss of connection to the natural world as well as to the workers responsible for producing food.  Lower prices enriched large corporations while impoverishing many farmers.  Finally, abundant industrial food encouraged the over-eating of processed food, harming health in the United States.
Thus, the impact of food abundance is more complicated than it might at first appear.  This paper uses the work of six influential women to better understand how abundance shaped American foodways.  Three of these women (Hazel Stiebeling, Poppy Cannon, and Julia Child) uncritically celebrated industrial abundance and three of them (Frances Moore Lappé, Marion Nestle, Alice Waters) criticized its impact.  The women – from diverse professions, who worked over several decades – were touchstones for widespread cultural ideas, while still having a unique impact on what Americans chose to eat.

All welcome - This event is free, but booking is required.