Introduction
Our agricultural web includes all that we require to grow, process, and distribute food. Certainly, eating means participating in a huge cultural-political-environmental system that ends with us, the consumers. For many in our society, however, getting better food is a secondary problem. Getting enough food is the primary problem. We can’t talk about food and agriculture without acknowledging the severe inequities that exist in our society in who has food. Food is about more than taste and even nutrition; it’s also about who can afford it; who has acces to it; and who has the time, energy, and facilities to prepare it.
Why Consider a Food Security and Policy Minor?
There are many opportunities to connect to work around food and farm policy on a number of scales. In addition, there is a need for holistic nutrition and food planning. Specialists are needed to work in government and nonprofit organizations to help in outreach around food programs and connect families to food. This includes writing food-system curricula, and/or participating in garden-to-table programs. Growing food, and participating in permaculture as primary producers, is essential for understanding complexities and challenges of our food system.
Student Resources
Department website: Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy
Contact information:
- College of the Environment Professional Advisor: Kathryn Patrick, College of the Environment Professional Advisor, Environmental Studies 539, 360-650-3520, Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu
- Urban Sustainability Faculty Advisor: Paul Stangl, Arntzen Hall 204, 360-650-2106, Paul.Stangl@wwu.edu
Department advising: See the Sustainable Design Minor webpage for more information.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: Policy Research Analyst, Food and Agriculture Analyst, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Coordinator and/or Staff, Food Program Manager, Food Security Coordinator, Hunger Corps Coordinator, Sustainable Agriculture/Farming Manager, Political Activist/Lobbyist
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
At any time, you can declare yourself as a Food Security and Policy Minor in the College of the Environment advising office, ES 539. Your professional advisor can help you understand graduation requirements and how to navigate through the College of the Environment curriculum. Your faculty advisor guides you in which courses to take, and when, and gives you advice about internships and how to prepare for graduate school or a future career.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
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