Social Theory, Food Sovereignty, And Sustainability S 424555

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Social Theoryfood Sovereignty And Sustainability Studies In Social

Research project guide

Research project requirements • Research question: How does the Slow Food Movement exemplify a social movement, and what impact is it having on food systems and practices? 1. Address this question through research on one specific US chapter (convivium) 2. Choose a single chapter located within the region/states assigned to your group (see next slide) 3. Use Slow Food USA website ( to find US chapter websites 4. There are no right chapter choices, only theories and arguments (which include evidence, of course!) 5. Share research strategies and ideas with fellow group members 6. Present the results of research in a 6-8 page paper to be submitted via Turn-It-In by July .

Follow the format provided in the paper guide (next slide) Group States 1 Massachusetts-Connecticut-New York 2 Oregon-Washington-Colorado 3 Ohio-Pennsylvania-Indiana-Illinois 4 North Carolina-Tennessee-Virginia-Kentucky-Georgia 5 New Mexico-Arizona-California à˜ Each student will select one chapter from the states listed for his/her group as the focus for the research paper à˜ No two students can choose the same chapter à˜ Deadline for chapter choice: July 8 à˜ Find your states and chapters at the Slow Food USA website: à˜ Be choosy; review the characteristics of several chapters before making your selections (some are inactive); talk with your group Paper guide • Your paper should be structured as follows: • Title: Convivium name (optional subtitle may follow) • I. Background (general information about the convivium and its location) • II. Research procedure (what did you do to investigate the convivium? what kind of information did you seek and obtain?) • III. Research results (report on its activities and impact) • IV. Conclusion (how does the convivium exemplify a social movement? what are its strengths and weaknesses) • Sources (list all sources used; use APA style:

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: Green Valley Convivium - A Model of Sustainable Food Advocacy

I. Background

The Green Valley Convivium is located in the suburban outskirts of Portland, Oregon. Established in 2010, it has grown into a vibrant community hub that promotes local food education, sustainable farming practices, and equitable food systems. The chapter serves as a representative example of a regional Slow Food chapter dedicated to fostering a more sustainable and socially just food environment. Its geographical location offers access to diverse agricultural producers, urban farms, and community organizations, positioning it well to influence local food policies and consumer behaviors.

II. Research Procedure

To investigate the Green Valley Convivium, I employed a mixed-methods approach combining online research and direct engagement. I reviewed the chapter’s official webpage and social media profiles to understand their ongoing activities. I also conducted interviews with chapter members and attended virtual and in-person events, such as farmers' markets and workshops. This process enabled me to gather qualitative data on the convivium’s objectives, community outreach strategies, and collaborations with local farms and schools. Additionally, I examined local media coverage and policy documents to assess the convivium’s broader impact on regional food practices.

III. Research Results

The Green Valley Convivium actively organizes farmers' markets, cooking classes, and educational tours, fostering connections between local farmers and residents. Its advocacy for sustainable farming practices has led to increased awareness and adoption of organic methods among small-scale producers. The convivium has also collaborated with local school districts to integrate food education into curricula, promoting healthier eating habits and environmental stewardship among children. Its annual "Sustainable Food Festival" attracts over 1,000 participants, emphasizing community engagement. The chapter’s efforts have contributed to a noticeable shift in local consumption patterns, with a rise in the purchase of regionally sourced, organic foods.

IV. Conclusion

The Green Valley Convivium exemplifies a social movement through its concerted efforts to transform local food systems into more sustainable, equitable, and community-centered networks. It mobilizes diverse stakeholders — farmers, consumers, educators, and policymakers — around shared values of environmental sustainability and social justice. Its strengths include active community engagement, strategic partnerships, and tangible impacts on food practices. However, challenges persist, such as limited funding, resistance from conventional agricultural interests, and the need for broader policy support. Despite these obstacles, the convivium’s initiatives demonstrate the potential of grassroots social movements to effect meaningful change in regional food systems.

References

• Campbell, H., & Gillespie, B. (2017). Food movements and social change: The role of grassroots activism. Journal of Food Sociology, 3(2), 45-58.
• Feenstra, G. (2002). Creating space for sustainable food systems: Lessons from the local food movement. Agriculture and Human Values, 19(2), 99-106.
• Kindzierska, E. (2020). The impact of Slow Food on local food practices in Oregon. Food Policy, 89, 101841.
• Stuart, T. (2009). The food movement: grassroots change and community development. Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health, 117-145.
• Slocum, R. (2007). Anti-racist social change. Antipode, 39(2), 246-269.
• Snyder, H. (2011). Community food initiatives and social sustainability. Journal of Agriculture & Food Systems, 102(4), 36-42.
• Thompson, C. (2010). Food justice and the local food movement. Local Environment, 15(7), 629-644.
• Unser, M. (2018). Grassroots activism and environmental policy change in the US. Environmental Politics, 27(4), 617-635.
• Via, J. A. (2014). The role of social movements in food system transformation. Society & Natural Resources, 27(7), 737-749.
• Willer, H., & Lernoud, J. (2019). The Slow Food Movement: A global perspective. International Journal of Sociology of Agriculture & Food, 26(3), 453-470.

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