Month: October 2024

Just as the food we eat communicates our relationship with our environment, it communicates a relationship with our culture as well. And for many, religion helps guide what that communication looks like. This blog post aims to introduce and question the integration of Halal food practices with the globalization and industrialization of food systems. More questions to be asked include localized Muslim food practices and food with regards to Holydays in Islam.

الغرآن (the Quran) is the main holy text that shapes and dictates how Muslims should shape their lives in submission to Allah (God). The Quran dictates God’s word in one way by categorization. The two main categories are حرام (Haram) which regards prohibited actions and حلال (Halal) which regards permissible actions (M. Abu Shuleh, personal communication, October 24, 2024). According to the Quran regarding food, it is haram to consume non humanely slaughtered animals, pork & pork byproducts, fanged beasts of prey, birds with talons, blood, animals that eat feces, anything stolen or procured in haram ways, any intoxicants like alcohol, and anything devoted to one other than Allah (M. Abu Shuleh, personal communication, October 24, 2024). Yet despite these specificities, Muslim communities vary greatly in interpretation and subsequent practice of these guidelines. As Maris Gillette (2015) discusses in her chapter on Muslim foodways, “Many Muslims believe whether or not a food is good to eat depends as much, or more, on who, how and where as on what” (p.59).

https://www.isahalal.com/news-events/blog/3-reasons-why-you-need-halal-mark-your-product-packaging

Through economic globalization of food systems, for non-Muslim or Muslim majority countries, “halal” has transformed into referring specifically to food restrictions. It can be seen across food packaging among labels like “Vegan” or “Cage-free”. This trend of  halalization can be linked to delocalization of Muslim foodways (Gillette, 2015). When a Muslim community becomes detached from the food production process, it becomes harder to scrutinize food beyond the ingredients it contains. For example, ذبيحة (zabiha, sacrifice) refers to the halal conditions of meat procurement for food. This is a particular method of slaughter that aims to minimize the animal’s suffering and ensure devotion to Allah. Organizations like the World Halal Council work with the agribusiness industry to standardize halal certification including things like zabiha (M. Abu Shuleh, personal communication, October 24, 2024).

Hala Food. Photo courtesy of Samantha Mouyard

Some questions arose during the lecture by Professor Mohammad to the Introduction to Food Studies class. What does the Quran advise regarding pre-slaughter animal practices? Large-scale farming industries are increasingly being scrutinized by the general public for ethical practices in livestock rearing. Labels like “cage-free” and “humanely raised” have proven unstandardized, as we have discussed in class. Professor Mohammad answered in part that ethical practices go as far as how they would impact the end product. For example, the Quran bids it haram to eat any animal that consumes feces. So if an industrial chicken farm limited space for their chickens so much as their feces would get mixed up in their feed, that chicken would then be haram.

In summary, the Quran dictates many aspects of food practices, including in production and consumption limitations. But as food system practices have shifted, questions continue to arise for Muslims seeking to honor Allah in their personal, cultural, and systematic food practices.

References

Gillette, M. (2015). Muslim Foodways. In J.A. Klein and J.L. Watson (Eds.), The Handbook of Food and Anthropology (pp. 48-73). Bloomsbury Publishing.

Check out this informational video on Food and Access that was created by students in the Intro to Food Studies course!

https://dson.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=83d95668-b2e3-4f11-a18b-b205015615ae

Society has labeled fat people as the enemy. With headless photos and stigmas, fat people have been objectified as what is wrong with today’s society, painting the picture as if it is so black and white, skinny people are fit, hard-working, and smart whereas fat people are lazy, unhealthy, and not very intelligent. In fact, the picture is much broader, with the spectrum of weight telling a different story for everyone.

https://conscienhealth.org/2016/09/better-picture-obesity/

The term “fat” has been used as a tool by fearmongers by associating the word with ideas like shorter life spans, yet much of the data has been cherry-picked to depict a narrative that fat always means unhealthy. What calls into question the story that has been written for us on fat people was that in 2013, the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the lowest rates of morbidity and mortality are among people who are classified as overweight (Flegal, 2013). This is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to uncovering the scale of the narrative we have been fed that we must all fit into what society calls the “perfect” body. This has made me call into question my own preconceived judgments on our obese population and how grouping them and using generalized labels may be hiding a more elaborate underlying story about the fat population. That being said, there is a limit to how large people can get without having health implications.

https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/senior-man-measuring-his-blood-pressure-at-home-gm1198516684-342566495

Like everything, there are always boundaries, and being overweight is no different, but maybe that line is different than where we perceived previously. And why limit our view to just fat people, as our population who is underweight or too skinny can face major health implications. As Amy Farrell stated in her featured writing Fat Chance, she explains how only focusing on the issues that correlate with extreme obesity can hide the very serious dangers of those who are severely underweight (Farrell, 2024). Metabolic issues, in particular, have been associated with obesity.

Still, they are not exclusive to the obese population, and this preconceived misconception can lead to miscues in addressing and diagnosing those same metabolic issues in our skinny population. This has become a prominent issue I have witnessed within our community at Dickinson as I have seen many students who would be considered “normal weight” being diagnosed with high blood pressure, but this was only detected after routine checkups. For many people, the notion that people of “normal weight” cannot have these health implications simply because they are not overweight can lead to underlying problems going undiscovered.

Work Cited

Flegal, K. M., Kit, B. K., Orpana, H., & Graubard, B. I. (2013). Association of All-Cause mortality with overweight and obesity using standard body mass index categories. JAMA, 309(1), 71. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.113905

Farrell, A. E. (2015, May 8). Fat Chance. Common Reader, 51. https://commonreader.wustl.edu/c/fat-chance/

Ted. (2016, September 10). Getting a better picture of obesity – ConscienHealth. ConscienHealth. https://conscienhealth.org/2016/09/better-picture-obesity/

Jakovo. (2020, January 11). Senior man measuring his blood pressure at home. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/senior-man-measuring-his-blood-pressure-at-home-gm1198516684-342566495

Food is often seen as merely a tool to supplement our nutritional needs, no more than a tedious distraction to our daily lives. This has led to great neglect on the issues that food presents to humans and our bodies. However, new research and greater visibility about food related issues has allowed us to better understand how food impacts our bodies, including the mental and physical effects it can take on us. We have also gained a greater understanding of how society and outside factors influence food related issues such as eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. New studies also show that certain demographics have been vastly under researched and undertreated when it comes to eating disorders (Thompson, 1992). These new discoveries have allowed us to better diagnose and study food and its impacts on our body, hopefully paving the way for increased visibility and treatment throughout society.

https://www.oasisrecovery.org.uk/addiction/behavioural/eating-disorders/

For the longest time, food related issues have been seen as an issue that only plagues upper middle class white women, but Becky Wangsgaard Thompson, author of A Way Outa No Way (1992), explains the progress being made in the field “Until recently, however, there has been almost no research about eating problems among African-American, Latina, Asian-American, or Native American women, working-class women, or lesbians.” (p. 2) Newer studies have examined these populations better than in past research, which has revealed that these demographics often suffer similar or even higher rates of eating disorders. For example, Latina women suffer anorexia at higher levels than white women do (M. Ford, personal communication, October 8, 2024). Furthermore, cultural expectations within these demographics can play heavy roles in influencing what people choose to eat.

https://restore-mentalhealth.com/can-you-rehab-eating-disorders

Another interesting revelation from newer studies is that the food we eat influences our mood, and vice versa (M. Ford, personal communication, October 8, 2024). For example, when people feel depressed, they tend to gravitate towards “comfort foods” which tend to be warmer and softer foods. This food-mood connection works in many different ways, as almost every mood or type of food can represent a certain feeling within the body. Eating food based on mood can lead to bad habits such as overeating, binging, or coping with food (M. Ford, personal communication, October 8, 2024). Perhaps the most revealing data from these newer studies is that dieting, previously thought to be the best solution to eating disorders, actually fails most of the time and can lead to more drawbacks than positives (M. Ford, personal communication, October 8, 2024). By opening up our eyes to new viewpoints and expanding the populations in which we collect and consider data from, we can greatly increase our understanding of issues that plague our world.

References

Thompson, B.W. (1992).  “A Way Outa No Way”: Eating Problems among African-American, Latina, and White Women. Gender and Society, 6(4), 546–561. www.jstor.org/stable/189725.

Field Trip to DCF: Waste to Energy in the Food System – Bennett Greenspoon

The Dickinson College Farm is more than a venue for students and staff to grow organic food; it is also a focal point for sustainable practices, integrating innovative solutions into the food system. It is part of a growing movement that explores “waste to energy” strategies, turning what would be food waste into energy. Among such technologies is biogas systems, through which organic waste is transformed into biogas, a renewable energy source that can be used for heating, cooking, and even electricity generation (M. Steiman, personal communication, October 3, 2024).

Halpin, J. (2024) Dickinson College Farm

Biogas production involves anaerobic digestion of organic material, such as food scraps, manure, and other biodegradable waste (M. Steiman, personal communication, October 3, 2024). Microorganisms break down the material in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of methane, or biogas, along with a nutrient-rich by-product called digestate (M. Steiman, personal communication, October 3, 2024). This biogas can then be harnessed as a sustainable energy source. Meanwhile, the digestate can also be used as a fertilizer, adding another layer of sustainability to the process. This closed-loop system reduces waste, reduces methane emissions from landfills, and provides a renewable energy alternative (Subramanian, Brown, & Dziedzic, 2019).

According to “Women and Home-Scale Biogas: Benefits, Barriers and Insights from US-based Innovators,” (Steiman, 2019) there is significant potential for biogas systems, particularly at smaller, home-scale levels. Women have been at the forefront of many biogas innovations, promoting it as a way to decentralize energy production and address environmental challenges (Steiman, 2019). Home-scale biogas systems allow households to convert kitchen scraps and garden waste into energy, reducing reliance on traditional fuels like natural gas or propane (Steiman, 2019).

Biogas technology is used at the Dickinson College Farm with broader goals of sustainability and education. Food waste can be repurposed into energy through processes that students can observe, such as the repurposing of the dining hall food waste, affording them practical knowledge about waste-to-energy systems to carry forward into their careers. The farm’s biogas initiatives present a tangible example of how small-scale biogas systems can reduce carbon footprints while bringing in various economic and environmental benefits.

While the benefits are clear, “Women and Home-Scale Biogas” (Steiman, 2019)also notes barriers, which include initial setup costs and learning associated with maintaining biogas systems. However, through innovation, education, and public awareness, these challenges are being brought under control (Subramanian et al. 2019; Steiman 2019). With the continued development of user-friendly systems and proof of their potential at sites like the Dickinson College Farm, there is at least some hope for biogas to play a much more significant part in changing the food system’s relationship with both waste and energy.

Halpin, J. (2024) Dickinson College Farm

The farm’s commitment to integrating biogas into its operations is an exciting step forward for sustainable agriculture, and it provides a blueprint that institutions and individuals can emulate.

References:

1. Steiman, M. (2019). Women and home-scale biogas: Benefits, barriers and insights from US-based innovators. Dickinson College Farm.
2. Subramanian, M., Brown, L., & Dziedzic, G. (2019). Women and home-scale biogas: Benefits, barriers and insights from US-based innovators, BioEnergy Research.

Do you ever wonder where your tomato came from?

Check out this wonderful and informative short video on three key systems of food production.

https://dson.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=fa99ee3d-02bb-459a-996f-b1f8000bc1ec&start=111.133437

Urban Farms can be found across the United States, in every city. These farms are in concrete jungles where fresh produce can be scarce. Having Urban Farms can help a community access healthy nutritious food (Kim et al., 2016). Many of these poorer urban communities can be found in Food Deserts, places where fresh food is not readily available (Jacobson & Silverbush, 2013). This causes families to either spend money on transportation to get to better grocery stores or eat a less nutritional diet.

Allison Hill is one of these unfortunate communities. It’s located in Harrisburg, PA, but remains in a “food desert.” I say this because while they don’t have access to fresh food, their Dollar General has “potential to carry fresh food” because of its freezers, so it’s no longer labeled a food desert (Ryan Johns, personal communication, 2024). This draws government attention away from Allison Hill and their need for fresh food that’s convenient and cheap. Recently, a non-profit program, Wildheart, came in to help this community. In 2022, they opened Hill Farm, an Urban Farm focused on feeding and educating its neighbors (Ryan Johns, personal communication, 2024).

Allison Hill and Hill Farm reminded me of my home in Minneapolis. The community of North Minneapolis, especially the Near North neighborhood, shares lots of characteristics. The bad reputation, diversity, underfunding from the city, and food insecurity are all relative. Another similarity, and reason for the communities’ decline, is they were both redlined in the 1930s (Hardison, 2018; Minnesota Realtors, 2020). This is when banks decide to exclude communities from being able to take out loans for housing, based on race (Ryan Johns, personal communication, 2024). The need for SNAP benefits and other cheap options is obvious in both neighborhoods. In North, 46.9% of residents are on food stamps, in Allison Hill its 36.9% (Statistical Atlas, 2018). Compared to Cumberland County, where 8.9% of the population are on food stamps, these communities are severely underserviced and ignored by the government (Bedi, et al., 2022). Parts of Allison Hill were even used by companies to dump trash (Ryan Johns, personal communication, 2024). Hill Farm is a gateway for the community to have a clean, green space that also provides them food. Hill Farm sells their produce every week at Hamilton Health Center, for slightly less than Giant’s market prices (Ryan Johns, personal communication, 2024).

The part I loved the most about Hill Farm was the education aspect. As an education major, I appreciated the programs the farm had, like bringing in school groups to teach kids in the community about gardening and the potential for a career in it. They are even starting to host an after-school program there next week (Ryan Johns, personal communication, 2024)! I really want to come back as an intern and help on the farm as well as teach in the greenhouses. I feel helping a community that’s like the one I owe so much to, is a great way to give back.

Harrisburg (left), and Minneapolis (right), redlining.

Our class visiting Hill Farm, with Farm Manager Ryan Johns.

References:

Bedi H., Hogan L., Johnson K., Jones M., Kirven C., Mark-Ockerbloom W., McCaa A., O’Bresly L., Salsich N., Uro-De Leon N., Walsh S., Woodward L., & Zook Z. (2022). Cumberland County Food Assessment. Dickinson College, Department of Environmental Studies.

Hardison, L. (2018, August 31). My City Was Gone: How redlining helped segregate, blight Harrisburg. The Burg. https://theburgnews.com/around-the-burg/my-city-was-gone-how-redlining-helped-segregate-blight-harrisburg

Jacobson, K., & Silverbush, L. (2013). A Place at the Table [Documentary]. Magnolia.

Kim B., Palmer A., Santo R. (2016, May). Vacant Lots to Vibrant Plots. Johns Hopkins.

Minnesota Realtors. (2020, October 1). Mapping the Legacy of Racism in Twin Cities Real Estate. https://www.mnrealtor.com/blogs/mnr-news1/2020/10/01/mapping-the-legacy-of-racism-in-twin-cities-real-e

Statistical Atlas. (2018). Food Stamps in Allison Hill, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Pennsylvania/Harrisburg/Allison-Hill/Food-Stamps

Statistical Atlas. (2018). Food Stamps in Near North, Minneapolis, Minnesota. https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Minnesota/Minneapolis/Near-North/Food-Stamps

Food insecurity affects the town of Carlisle even though it is located in one of the richest counties in the state of Pennsylvania. Northern Carlisle has been labeled as a “food desert” (Halpin, 2024). This means, in areas of town, it is difficult to buy affordable and quality food. Government initiatives to expand food access have historically involved intense barriers to entry. For various reasons, SNAP benefits don’t reach families who need support with food access. For example, among families that qualify according to the government standards, there is a lengthy application process and inherent stigma built into actually one day receiving the aid. Further, government metrics for determining food access needs may not reflect the actual circumstances of families (Hossfeld, 2018). While government initiatives toward providing food access are the most broadly effective and resourceful programs, local initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap where nationwide initiatives otherwise fail.

Local food access initiative demand is filled by neighborhood food pantries that exist to serve their respective communities. Food secure individuals fall under, “all persons obtaining at all times an affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate diet through local, non-emergency food sources (or through normal economic channels)” (US Congress, n.d.). Food pantries tend to fulfill a greater number of characteristics of food security where broader initiatives can’t possibly cater as closely to communities’ needs.

Community members receive food from Project SHARE food pantry’s main location in Carlisle, PA (Project SHARE).

In Carlisle, a spit from Dickinson College’s campus, there is a local food pantry called Project SHARE that serves the Carlisle community directly. There, free, nutritious, and culturally catered food is provided to residents that need the support. For example, I saw they had Halal meat and some culturally specific items on the shelves. In terms of nutrition, there is a section for fruits and vegetables. One of the greatest barriers families may face when attempting to come off benefits is bridging the gap between being qualified and being self-sufficient with their income. Oftentimes income isn’t representative of need. Representative of Project SHARE related that their fruit and vegetable only serve families determined to be sufficiently below the poverty level (Project SHARE). Here, local initiatives for access shine once again. At Project SHARE, a farm stand is operated in order to serve families in any financial standing. No questions asked, families can acquire produce each month.

Sources:

Halpin, J. (2024). Local Issues and Initiatives in Food Access. Personal Collection of J. Halpin, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.

Hossfeld, L. H., Kelly, E. B., & Waity, J. F. (Eds.). (2018). Food and Poverty: Food Insecurity and Food Sovereignty among America’s Poor. Vanderbilt University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv167585f

Project SHARE. (n.d.). Farmstand. Retrieved from https://projectsharepa.org/farm-stand/.