The AgroEcological-Educator: food-based community development

Abstract

Over the past few decades, health policy advocates, nutrition activists, journalists, community organizers, First Lady Michelle Obama, and others have created a lively discussion about the United States' food system. This debate is incredibly wide ranging and can be difficult to understand. Furthermore, despite these various food-related calls to action, there remains a disconnection between the rhetoric and available solutions for everyday people. To bridge this gap, this paper advances a new community development framework called the AgroEcological-Educator. Inspired by the practice of Paulo Freire, this social change agent works with people to discuss the ecological, economic, and personal health implications of our food choices, while promoting the development of community-based food systems. This essay synthesizes Freire's theoretical and practical guidance with the needs of the food movement to challenge the oppressive structures of the agri-industrial complex and support the goals of social and ecological justice.