Who Controls Our Food?
Emma McDonell, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has been exploring a crucial question: Who really has control over the food we eat? This summer, she took part in a fellowship at the New Institute in Hamburg, Germany, diving deep into the power dynamics of global food systems.
McDonell worked with fellow researchers in the Future of Food program, focusing on how these power structures influence who gets access to food. A key point in their study, titled “The Elephant at the Table: Policy Pathways to Confront Power in Food Systems,” is that every person deserves access to food, and food systems should not just serve the wealthy.
The power dynamics discussed in the report cover control over markets, labor, and land. McDonell emphasized that recognizing these issues is essential. “We need to face how power inequities affect food access and the overall system,” she said.
In her research, McDonell highlighted the potential of neglected and underused crops. There’s an unfortunate truth: many nutritious plants don’t make it to our diets. “Our food system relies heavily on just a few species, like wheat and rice,” she explained. She pointed out that crops like quinoa can be beneficial but aren’t always accessible to those who need them most.
Her book, “The Quinoa Bust: The Making and Unmaking of an Andean Miracle Crop,” shines a light on this issue. Traditionally marginalized crops, like quinoa, have become trendy but are often out of reach for impoverished populations. The irony? While they gain popularity among rich consumers, their impact on food security for those in need remains minimal.
McDonell pointed out that the big players in the food market often limit the growth of these underused crops. “There’s a challenge in presenting these crops as serious alternatives to dominant ones,” she shared. If we leverage the potential of these hardy, nutritious crops, we could better support communities facing food insecurity caused by climate change.
Interestingly, there’s a rising trend towards purchasing locally sourced food, especially in school lunch programs. Many countries are recognizing the importance of integrating these overlooked crops into public food systems. McDonell noted, “Countries are shifting focus from low-cost commodities to local foods.”
This issue is relevant to everyone. As climate change threatens traditional farming, we need to rethink how we nourish ourselves. McDonell believes that our food system is on the brink of change, particularly in light of recent supply chain disruptions during the pandemic.
“People are aware that our food system is flawed,” she said. “The quality of our diets closely aligns with economic status.” This awareness is crucial in pushing for change. Her report aims to provoke thought and encourage a better future for our food systems.
For more insights into these issues, you can check out the full study here: The Elephant at the Table.
Additionally, reports show that the highest quality diets are often only accessible to wealthier populations. According to a recent study from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), about 800 million people globally face hunger, highlighting the dire need for more equitable food systems.
Understanding who controls food and how to support diverse crop growth is vital if we want to fix our food system. McDonell’s research serves as a reminder that there’s much work to be done—and there’s hope for a better future.
