Episode 208: Solving Food System Challenges with Culinary Innovation
About the Podcast
For today’s episode, Clancy speaks with Jonathan Deutsch, Professor of Culinary Arts and Science and Director of Drexel Food Lab, a culinary innovation and food product research and development lab focused on solving real-world food system problems in the areas of sustainability, health promotion, and inclusive dining. You won’t want to miss their discussion about the problems in the food system, how culinary skills can be used to improve it, and the role of students in contributing creative ideas to create a resilient food infrastructure and fight food insecurity. Listen and enjoy the show!
About Jonathan Deutsch
Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D., CHE, CRC is Professor and Vice Chair of Health Sciences, which encompasses Culinary, Food, Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Sciences at Drexel University. He is the Founding Program Director of Drexel's Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs. At Drexel's, he directs the Drexel Food Lab, a culinary innovation and food product research and development lab focused on solving real-world food system problems in the areas of sustainability, health promotion, and inclusive dining. In addition, Jonathan is the co-author or -editor of eight books, including Barbecue: A Global History, Culinary Improvisation, and The Anti-Inflammatory Family Cookbook, among others.
Discussion Takeaways
- There are many problems in the food system, ranging from labor to sustainability to nutrition and health. This is why food policy has to be better.
- Sodium Reduction in Communities Program aims to reduce the use of sodium in schools and hospitals, places where people don't have a lot of control over what they are eating.
- Upcycling food is a way of taking things that would otherwise be wasted and generating something delicious. For example, vegetable scraps from fresh-cut produce are turned into another product.
- Students can play a role in creating a resilient food infrastructure and fighting food insecurity. With their creativity and commitment, one can offer them internship hours, internship credits, or paid employment. Students have the most unique ideas and innovation.
- Food dignity means that when you are eating, you can feel good about it. It might be an emotional or nutritional connection, but ultimately, you want to feel good about what you are putting in your body.
#1 tip to improve access to healthy food
Reflect on your family's history with food insecurity—many only gained food security one or two generations ago. While progress has been made, there are still challenges in labor, sustainability, and health. Stay informed and advocate for a more equitable food system.
Each week on the Food Dignity® Podcast, the Food Dignity® Movement's Clancy Harrison hosts a wide variety of hunger experts and other people making changes on the frontlines. Join us as we dive deep into conversations that will change the way you think about food insecurity.
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