Global Banquet, Politics of Food seminar encourages lively discussion

by Dee Czech

Editors note: As earth reawakens with the arrival of spring, we witness the beginning of yet another cycle of yearly food production. This article raises pertinent questions about food production and availability of food.

"The Global Banquet, Politics of Food" was the theme for the 2002 seminars offered by the MN Earth Sabbath Team and hosted by River Friendly Faith Communities, First Lutheran Church, LeSueur and First Presbyterian Church, Mankato. The evenings drew approximately 60 people, many of them young adults. Held in November, the seminars featured a video with the theme name by Maryknoll publications and discussions which explored the politics of global food security, a security threatened by the policies and practices of giant international food producers, trade and financial institutions, as well as governments here and abroad.

The viewing produced a wide range of responses. The challenge presented to the participants was the need to look at this whole issue through the lens of faith.

Questions the audience grappled with following Part I of the seminar entitled ‘Who’s Invited?’ were: With enough food being produced, why do 800 million people go hungry, including one of five children in the U.S.? Can hunger be erased without erasing poverty? Can hungry people ever achieve food security? Are our planets resources limitless to meet future needs? Is what nature gives us really free or do we need to pay our dues in terms of conservation?

Part II featured ‘What’s on the Menu?’ with the following questions: What are the possible risks of genetically altered food (FDA has required no health testing of these foods)? How can a sustainable food system be structured that is good for all-people, environment and the economy? How does factory farming of animals pose potential health risks along the food chain to humans? With the heavy focus of maximizing short term profits, do you feel the corporate system is attuned to only financial indicators and simply using the world’s human and natural resources, while mining the wealth of the planet?

It was agreed that one way we can affect change is to support local producers by buying pasture raised meat and other locally grown foods. A free Minnesota Grown Directory published yearly by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture listing sources for farm fresh produce and more can be received by calling 1-800-657-3700 (outstate) or (651) 296-5029 (metro). American food choices impact the environment, employment and economy world wide.

At the conclusion of the evening an often heard comment was, "We should do this more often".

Participants were left with the invitation to share insights from the evening with others. The video, The Global Banquet: Politics of Food is available through the diocesan Office of Communications/Media Resource Center, (507) 233-5332.