Things to Look For s1

Dr. Santas’ Study Questions for Edible City: Grow the Revolution (Andrew Hasse, 2012; 71min.)

Things to Look For:  Connection to Food, Inc., Fast Food Nation, What a Way To Go, and Food Matters  See Wiki entries Permaculture, Urban Agriculture, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)  Connection to Environmental Justice issues as they pertain to food production and distribution

Discussion Questions: 1. This idea of community gardens is not new--it goes back to the Victory Gardens from the 1940’s and World War II. Discuss the significance of this connection to our past. 2. Discuss Peak Oil’s bearing on food production. It is said that we have been eating oil for the last 40 years. Compare the analysis here to those offered in What a Way To Go and Food, Inc. 3. Our government subsidizes monoculture (it is even said to be illegal to diversify your farm if you are on a subsidy) and promotes a system that produces food with very little nutrient density. Meanwhile, it is said that our bodies are chronically deprived of nutrients and that this has created multiple negative consequences for health--including mental health (for more on this, see Food Matters). Comment on this from a public policy perspective. 4. The community gardeners describe what they’re doing as taking food out of the economic system, as opposed to trying to change the economic system, putting the focus on self-sufficiency. Why is this move seen as importantly empowering? 5. What is depicted in the film is described as farming with nature, as opposed to battling nature. This is also known as permaculture. What is permaculture, and how is it an alternative to what Daniel Quinn characterized as totalitarian agriculture? 6. It is said that, with respect to food at least, this generation would not be equipped to deal with another Great Depression--why? What might the consequences of a critical food shortage be under these circumstances? 7. Comment on the example of Cuba, which was at the brink of starvation after the collapse of the Soviet system (because they no longer had access to cheap petroleum). It is said that “changes happen when you confront a deep crisis.” Why is this case seen as an important model for food production today? 8. What are “food deserts”? Compare the discussion here to Robert Bullard’s analysis (remember the liquor stores vs. grocery store sociology?) in his description of environmental justice. 9. Several of the persons interviewed talked about the importance of starting in your own neighborhood--and growing the revolution by word-of-mouth. Why are community gardens and kitchens, School gardens all so important? Explain the different levels of importance. 10. Why does the one grower say that knowing where your meat comes from is important? (Hint: he mentioned, for instance, the connectedness one gains to his/her food.) He also says to his fellow meat eaters that we ought to either face where our meat comes from or consider being a vegetarian. Explain what he means by this. 11. Comment on the connection made between community gardens and political activism. Why is it necessary to make policy changes to expand the movement? (Hint: consider access to land, seed and water.) Why do our policy-makers need a nudge (at the least) to help grow the movement, and what arguments can be made to convince them?