Johns Hopkins University
An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health
Johns Hopkins University

An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health

14,381 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(160 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 24 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(160 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 24 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

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Assessments

6 quizzes

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

Welcome to our short course on the U.S. food system. In this first series of lectures, we dig into the very important concepts of food systems, food security and intergenerational equity and begin to explore what we eat, how that food is produced, and how our dietary choices impact our health and the health of the planet. This broad overview lecture lays the foundation for the rest of the course.

What's included

14 videos4 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

This lesson expands on the concepts of food system sustainability and resilience, and describes strategies that could dramatically improve the food system and the ability of future generations to feed themselves.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 quiz1 discussion prompt

The 1938 USDA Yearbook of Agriculture stated, “Essentially, all life depends upon the soil ... There can be no life without soil and no soil without life; they have evolved together”. In this module, we will take a very brief look at the importance of methods of food production for sustainability, resilience, food security and health.

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 quiz1 discussion prompt

We will now examine the livestock and seafood industries, which we have touched on in previous modules as a key driver of the global food system. As incomes rise around the world, so too does the global collective appetite for meat. Some of our greatest challenges and debates of the 21st century are rooted in the rising demand for animal protein in an era of dwindling resources and climate change. NOTE: This lecture refers to other lectures offered in this or related full for-credit courses at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 quiz1 discussion prompt

In the next set of lectures, we begin to explore food and farm policy, a huge and complex topic. Roni Neff returns with an overview of the history and content of the current farm bill and why it really should be called a ‘food bill’, considering the magnitude of its impact on public health. Then Mark Winne will share his experiences as an advocate for community food security and regional food systems here in the U.S. For those of you interested in the international perspective of food policy, we have provided in the readings list a link to a terrific talk by Olivier deSchutter, the former UN special rapporteur on the Right to Food.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 quiz1 discussion prompt

In this final module of the course you will hear from real people working to build a healthier, more sustainable food system. First, Michael Heller of Clagett Farm in Maryland will share his farming philosophy and how he links his farm to the local community near Washington DC. Then you’ll hear about Meatless Monday as an example of using health communication campaigns to change the food system from the demand-side. The optional Honors lesson includes two short films produced by CLF showcasing projects and people around the U.S. that are improving the food system from field to plate.

What's included

8 videos5 readings1 quiz1 peer review1 discussion prompt

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (26 ratings)
Keeve Nachman, PhD, MHS
Johns Hopkins University
1 Course14,381 learners
Robert S. Lawrence, MD
Johns Hopkins University
1 Course14,381 learners
Pamela Rhubart Berg
Johns Hopkins University
2 Courses32,076 learners

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4.7

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