Critical Consciousness of Food Systems as a Potential Lifestyle Intervention on Health Issues

Abstract

When examining food systems in contemporary, industrialized, and globalized nations such as the United States, there is a quantity over quality cultural mind-set driven by capitalism. This creates an environment in which consumer desires for convenient lifestyles run high, mainly focused on the production of food and individual financial gain rather than the food systems as a whole. This approach neglects the overall outcomes in health, wellness, health disparities, and the sustainability footprint associated with consumption. Food is more than just food. It involves a network of different levels and elements that creates a multidimensional framework in which food systems, and the choices produced within those systems, can either positively or negatively affect consumers’ lifestyles and health. This article discusses the importance of food systems and the ways in which they can be incorporated into a lifestyle intervention for general food consumers as well as those suffering from dietary-related diseases. With a critical understanding that structural barriers associated with current food systems are partly responsible for dietary-related diseases, individuals’ self-blame and guilt can be alleviated and liberated, thus enhancing overall emotional and physical health. Drawing on social cognitive theory, food systems are conceptualized into triadic, dynamic interaction of environment (eg, food production, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, disposing), cognition (eg, learned experience, and knowledge of food, nutrition, and wellness), and behavior (eg, food purchasing, preparation, and consumption).

Interpersonal ethnic–racial discrimination and tobacco products: The moderating role of critical action.

“…A significant barrier to individual-focused health interventions is the inability to address systemic barriers that impede health behavior change and maintenance (Eng et al, 2020; Heberle et al, 2020). CC-CA is a heightened awareness of intersecting oppressive systems that promote health inequity and active involvement in challenging those systems (Eng et al, 2020; Heberle et al, 2020).…”

“…CC-CA is a heightened awareness of intersecting oppressive systems that promote health inequity and active involvement in challenging those systems (Eng et al, 2020; Heberle et al, 2020). Although research in this field is sparse, the present study builds upon recent literature on diet and exercise interventions that suggests that critical consciousness of food safety, climate change, and social justice can improve diet and physical activity behaviors of individuals engaged in critical action (Emley & Musher-Eizenman, 2019; Eng et al, 2020). This research is one of the first studies to examine the role of CC-CA in the relationship between IERD and tobacco use.…”

A Scoping Review of the Community Health Worker Model Used for Food Systems Interventions Within the United States

“…Food systems education, however, encompasses both subsets of agriculture and nutrition education and may promote connectivity among farm-to-fork processes or may equip participants with knowledge to critically assess the implications of engagement within all 8 food system processes. 13 This study is not a comprehensive review of nutrition education or agriculture education delivered by the CHW model, however, nutrition education and agriculture education are components of some food systems education interventions.…”

Growing, learning, sharing, and healing through Home Garden Network: A social capital framework

“…(p. 86) Obama's recount of the White House Kitchen Garden is remarkable, and similar benefits are seen in home-gardening spaces in local communities around the United States. Some benefits include improved emotional, nutritional, and physical health; increased learning opportunities; a sense of place, purpose, and community; personal satisfaction; stronger family relationships; and enhanced critical consciousness about food and nutrition (Agustina & Beilin, 2018;Eng et al, 2019Eng et al, , 2020Ramirez-Andreotta, 2019;Spano et al, 2020). It can be especially beneficial during transitions through different stages of life as we age, as it is found to enhance self-esteem, increase motivation to achieve personal endeavors, increase exercise, and promote social engagement (Scott et al, 2020).…”

“…The prevalence of obesity among American youths aged 2–19 years was reported at 17% (Ogden et al, 2018). These high rates of obesity, and the potential dangers linked between chronic diseases and obesity, are evidence that the current food system has failed and continues to enable and perpetuate a culture and a cycle of blame, shame, and guilt around the consumer and their lifestyle choices (Branca et al, 2019; Eng et al, 2020; Glanz et al, 1998; Fiese & Bost, 2016). Other structural barriers include insufficient access to health‐care services and nutritious foods due to persistent health disparities and inequalities as well as low socioeconomic status and education (Neff et al, 2009).…”