CHHS Hosts TIAA-CREF Distinguished Lecture Featuring Marion Nestle
On Tuesday, March 18, the College of Health and Human Services hosted acclaimed thought leader, Dr. Marion Nestle, for a conversation on the politics of food and food choice. The daylong activities, part of the TIAA-CREF Distinguished Lecture Series, included an afternoon dialogue with students at the UNC Charlotte main campus and an evening event at the Center City building in Uptown Charlotte.
Offering an eye-opening look at the food industry and the economic, political and social influences on food choice in America, Nestle delivered a thought-provoking presentation entitled “Food Politics: From Personal Responsibility to Policy Advocacy.” Speaking to a crowded room of nearly 300, she talked about the influence of the nutrition industry on food choice and how consumers can try to make better choices in a world heavily influenced by food marketing. “Companies spend a staggering amount of money every year marketing certain products. It’s not just about making good food choices, it’s about making food choices in an environment where billions of dollars are spent to influence your thinking,” she said. “You’re defenseless. People like to think that companies are social service companies, but these companies are obliged by stockholders to make profits.”
At the student event Nestle also touched on what it means to be a food advocate. “I teach courses in food advocacy and we talk about this very thing. Individuals can make small changes in their lives by shopping at markets and voting with their fork. When you do that, you support local farmers which, in turn, encourage other farmers. People have to find what works for them.”
A Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health at New York University, Nestle has dedicated her life to teaching others about health, policy, advocacy and nutrition. She is best known for her prolific views on food policy and for being an extraordinary force in shaping the way people think and talk about food. She is also recognized for her groundbreaking book Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health, as well as several other books including Safe Food: The Politics of Food Safety and What to Eat, which was named as one of Amazon’s top ten books of 2006 and a Must Read by Eating Well magazine. In 2013, she was featured in the documentary film, A Place at the Table. Her most recent book is titled Eat Drink Vote: An Illustrated Guide to Food Politics.