Food Policy

Professor: Ringel
Units: 0.5
Elective Course
Concentrations: Economics and Social and Behavioral Science

The course deals with how governments—particularly that of the United States—design and implement policies and programs to foster social goals such as ensuring a sufficient, safe, affordable, and sustainable food supply. It examines why and how governments do or do not decide to set policies; reviews how stakeholders in the food system become involved in and influence policy development; identifies the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that influence stakeholder and government positions on policy issues; and describes the ways in which these factors promote or act as barriers to policies aimed at promoting the health of people and the planet. The course will use a case study approach to examine the policy formulation and implementation process for food policy issues related to economic development, trade, labor, social justice, nutrition, food safety, food security, and the environment.