Food: From Field to the Future

Navigating the Complexity of Sustainable Food

Our food systems face unprecedented challenges – from systemic inequities, to climate change, to population growth and changing diets, to management of the resources needed to grow food at a global scale. Embedded in our food are substantial water and land inputs of water, greenhouse gas emissions,  wages for farmers, labor practices and support for rural economies. Accordingly, consumers are increasingly considering the environmental and social implications of their food choices.

The significant impacts of our food system and oversimplified messaging about sustainable food choices make consumer decisions around our food systems difficult. Additionally, the continuously changing nature of nutrition recommendations add to the distrust and confusion in food. In this context, the Science Museum of Minnesota created the Future of Food experience, with social interactions and hands-on experiences for visitors to explore the culture, creativity, science and innovation of our food systems.

This project team provided expertise about the complexities of sustainability, nutrition and the food system to aid in the development of the museum experience.

Outcomes

• Created food systems museum exhibit prototypes with the Science Museum of Minnesota
• Gained a deeper understanding of what it takes for co-creation with a museum on a complex topic such as sustainable nutrition and strengthened relationships between the Institute and the Science Museum of Minnesota
• Hosted an IonE People and Planet panel called From Kernels to Culture: Delve into the world of corn, moderated by PI Schmitt and including co-PI Slavin