Kids and Food

Level: Undergraduate

Division: The New School for Public Engagement

School: School of Undergraduate Studies

Department: Food Studies

Course Number: NFDS 2400

Course Format: Lecture

Location: NYC campus

Permission Required: No

Topics:

• Food Studies
• Cultural Studies

Description:
The top sources of calories for American children today are pizza, soda, and sweets. Eighty-five percent don't get the recommended quantities of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Unsurprisingly, rates of childhood obesity and diabetes are rising precipitously, with low-income children and children of color particularly affected. This course explores why our kids are eating so poorly and what we can--and must--do about it. The class looks at the complex web of factors that shape children's food choices, from the way tastes develop in the womb to the content of school meals to the impact of U.S. farm policy on food prices and family meals. Students learn about exciting new programs and policies being implemented in many schools and communities in New York City and across the country. They apply this information to develop creative solutions of their own as the class prepares and enjoys together a child-inspired family meal.