Food 4 Thought Recap - Day Two
“We can feed over 90 Billion farmed animals, yet we struggle to feed 8 billion humans.”
- Salish Rao
From examining and unbreaking the colonial legacy of food pathways to the power of mycelium-powered foods, day two highlighted the need in developing multi-disciplinary frameworks and networks in transforming our food system. This was put on full display during the student research fair and World Cultural fair. From eggplant-based Egyptian dishes to delicious ramen, we had the pleasure of traveling the world through several amazing local restaurants, chefs, and brands.
Prior to the research and food fair, students were placed into groups and were engaged in the Idea Lab, a student competition for teams to design innovative strategies designed to tackle our food systems greatest challenges. Later in the afternoon the 10 groups engaged in the pitching phase with team ideas ranging from harnessing food waste into culinary-aided powders to creating easier market access for local growers. Throughout the day, it was amazing being able to witness the creativity of all of the students involved.
These projects were further supported with engaging panels focusing on successes and failures from food entrepreneurs, the role food service can play in sustainable food systems transformation, technological innovation, corporate champions, and cultivated meat.
Day Two of the Food 4 Thought Festival wrapped up with a surge of optimism. From dismantling colonial food systems to exploring cutting-edge solutions like mycelium-powered foods, discussions revolved around the critical need for collaboration across fields of study.
