An Introduction to the US Food System: Perspectives from Public Health

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the US food system from a public health perspective. Participants will gain an understanding of the historical and political factors that have shaped the current food system, and explore alternative approaches from farm to fork. Led by a team of faculty and staff from the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, the course will also feature guest lecturers from a variety of disciplines, including public health, policy and agriculture. By the end of the course, participants will have a better understanding of the US food system and how food production practices and what we choose to eat impacts the world in which we live.

[Applications]
Those who complete this course will have a better understanding of the US food system and the public health implications of food production and consumption. They will be able to identify key historical and political factors that have shaped the current food system and consider alternative approaches from farm to fork. Additionally, they will be able to apply their knowledge to their own lives and communities, and advocate for food system changes that promote public health, equity and environmental sustainability.

[Career Paths]
1. Food System Analyst: Food system analysts are responsible for researching and analyzing the various components of the food system, such as production, distribution, and consumption. They must be knowledgeable about the current trends and developments in the food system, and be able to identify potential areas of improvement. This job is becoming increasingly important as the food system is becoming more complex and interconnected.

2. Food Policy Advocate: Food policy advocates work to influence policy decisions related to the food system. They must be knowledgeable about the current food system and the potential impacts of policy decisions on public health, the environment, and food security. This job is becoming increasingly important as the public becomes more aware of the impacts of food production and consumption on the environment and public health.

3. Food System Educator: Food system educators are responsible for educating the public about the food system and its impacts on public health, the environment, and food security. They must be knowledgeable about the current food system and be able to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way. This job is becoming increasingly important as the public becomes more aware of the impacts of food production and consumption on the environment and public health.

4. Sustainable Agriculture Specialist: Sustainable agriculture specialists are responsible for developing and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. They must be knowledgeable about the current trends and developments in sustainable agriculture, and be able to identify potential areas of improvement. This job is becoming increasingly important as the public becomes more aware of the impacts of food production and consumption on the environment and public health.

[Education Paths]
1. Nutrition Science: Nutrition science is a field of study that focuses on the relationship between diet and health. It involves the study of the effects of nutrients on the body, including the role of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary components in maintaining health and preventing disease. Nutrition science is a rapidly growing field, and there are many degree paths available, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Developing trends in nutrition science include the use of technology to track dietary intake, the use of data to inform public health policy, and the use of nutrition to prevent and treat chronic diseases.

2. Food Science: Food science is the study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of food and the processes used to produce, store, and prepare it. Food science degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Developing trends in food science include the use of technology to improve food safety, the use of data to inform food production and processing, and the use of food science to create healthier and more sustainable food products.

3. Public Health: Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of individuals and communities. Public health degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Developing trends in public health include the use of data to inform public health policy, the use of technology to improve access to health care, and the use of public health to address social determinants of health.

4. Agricultural Science: Agricultural science is the study of the production and management of food, fiber, and other products from plants and animals. Agricultural science degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Developing trends in agricultural science include the use of technology to improve crop yields, the use of data to inform agricultural practices, and the use of agricultural science to create more sustainable and equitable food systems.