The University of Vermont (UVM) Food Systems Summit is an annual discussion of contemporary food systems issues facing the world. This Summit is held on the UVM campus in Burlington and features three panel discussions, nine paper presentations, and a keynote address all geared toward uniting academic and non-academic professionals. The Summit, according to its Call for Papers, is designed to make global connections to local food issues. Presentation themes may be related to geopolitical issues, biophysical constraints, and/or behavior and culture. Geopolitical issues can range from economics to fair trade; biophysical constraints can range from food capacity to food safety; behavior and culture themes can range from consumer behavior to community development. More information about the conference and submitting a paper for presentation can be found here.
At the 2013 Food Systems Summit, Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, a Canadian obesity expert, discussed food systems issues by addressing the general population, proposing that, “Rather than shake our fists at the food industry […] We start in our own kitchens. We reclaim them. We recultivate love affairs with cooking. We teach our children the life skill of cooking.” To see this talk and others that are related, you can view the UVM Food Systems YouTube Channel right here.
Underscoring their commitment to food systems issues, such as hunger, food shortages and obesity, the UVM even offers a related Breakthrough Leaders Program for Sustainable Food Issues. Program information can be found here.
As the UVM Food Systems YouTube channel indicates, the UVM hopes to promote healthy people and a healthier planet. So, what’s on your plate?
