What's Worth Reading This Week (No. 5)
What's Worth Reading This Week (No. 5)
Some food for thought as you start the week of September 23, 2024
Enjoy this brief compilation of interesting snippets, insightful stories, and the occasional nutrition research update (for the food nerds among us). I’ll feature some familiar favorites here on Substack and beyond, including books, podcasts, and more.
(click on the links in bold to browse)
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I just returned from my first residency for my new degree program in Sustainable Food Systems. It was a busy week! I shared an update on Instagram if you’re curious about some of the things we did out in sunny California.
While I don’t plan on turning this link roundup into 100% sustainability topics, I am doing a TON of reading about food systems, the climate crisis, and other sustainable nutrition topics.
I’ll start you off with a few that caught my eye that I think you might enjoy, too. Then wrap things up with more of the usual suspects from Extra Umami.
Enjoy!
Is Getting Food Delivered Worse for the Environment? Sometimes It’s Better (NPR)
I think food delivery is probably a mainstay in the overall food landscape. Whether it’s getting your groceries delivered, Door Dash-ing yourself a meal if you can’t/don’t want to cook, or using a meal kit subscription service, convenience often outweighs the financial cost. But what about the environmental cost? That’s what this article takes, as part of NPR’s multi-part Climate Week series.
Why You Should Read This: If you’ve ever struggled with the existential debate about whether it’s worse to drive to the store and buy food in a package or order food and get it delivered in a different package…read this. It doesn’t have all the answers, but it offers some context and nuance into the pros and cons of it all.
On The Ground with the Volunteers Running Community Fridges (Modern Farmer)
A big reason why I decided to return to school to study sustainable food systems specifically is because one of my core values is that nourishing food is a fundamental human right. And in this country and beyond, that’s out of reach for many people. I’m studying more about local, regional, and global food systems, but for now, I want to recommend this article about something that’s about as local as you can get: community fridges. Have you seen them before?
Why You Should Read This: There are some staggering statistics about food and nutrition insecurity in this piece. But there’s also a well-deserved spotlight on the people and organizations making major differences for hungry people in their respective communities. The case studies highlight some of the challenges, including food policy, logistics, and funding. But also some of the successes, such as how community fridges can reduce food waste by rescuing perishable foods that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
And as you read, remember: individual efforts can’t be the only solution to systemic problems. Which brings me to my next recommendation…
Project 2025: What Dietitians Should be Paying Attention To (3-Part Series) (Extra Umami on Substack)
This is my top-read Substack piece to date, which I hope is an indicator that you, my readers, care about the same things I care about! But this is a detailed breakdown of some of the proposed policies from Project 2025 that will most directly impact food and nutrition. To be as clear as possible: food is political. And these are not the only issues to consider in the upcoming election. But as a dietitian, this is my lane, and I hope this interpretation of the proposed policies is informative.
Why You Should Read This: Election Day is racing towards us at warp speed, whether we’re ready or not. And while I’ll never tell you how to vote, I will encourage you to be as informed about the issues as possible. Whether you’re a dietitian or just someone who cares about food, people, and the planet, give this series a read before you head to the polls.
MSG Is Fine For Your Health (Gideon M-K: Health Nerd on Substack)
This recent piece just adds to the growing cacophony of voices proclaiming what some of us have been saying all along…that MSG is fine for your health. Only when I do it, I get comments like, “Shut up,” or “Cry harder,” or “Defending MSG is not the flex you think it is.” So maybe people will like it more if a white dude says it instead? Regardless, the message is the same regardless of the messenger.
Why You Should Read This: It’s a thorough and well-researched article with multiple links for further reading. There’s even a brief overview of some of the shoddy science that we can now use to debunk some of the claims against MSG.
The Ultimate FNCE Packing Guide: What to Bring and NOT Bring to Minneapolis (Street Smart Nutrition)
We’re about 10 days out from the biggest nutrition event of the year. For the non-dietitians reading this, feel free to skip. But if you’re planning to attend the Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Minneapolis next month, maybe I’ll see you there! After some trial-and-error with packing for past FNCEs, I *think* I’ve figured out a pretty good packing strategy. That might be completely thrown off this year since I’m driving instead of flying. But I put together a guide that can be helpful for first-time attendees and seasoned pros alike.
Why You Should Read This: This is from my “official” blog, Street Smart Nutrition, but it’s worth checking out if you’re planning for any big conference, expo, or in-person professional event. It might save you time, money, or stress. Potentially all of the above. Plus, I include a short list of preparation tips to help you maximize your experience and get the most out of attending.
Be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already, and you’ll get a fresh batch next Monday!