In this episode, Alyshia Gálvez discusses the implications of economic and food policy on food systems. She talks about how diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are influenced by trade agreements and political forces, rather than just individual decisions. Listen to this episode to learn about what food policies need to be created to combat current issues in public health policy.
Alyshia Gálvez is a cultural and medical anthropologist. She is professor of Latin American and Latino Studies at Lehman College and of anthropology at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She is the author of Eating NAFTA: Trade, Food Policies and the Destruction of Mexico on changing food policies, systems and practices in Mexico and Mexican communities in the United States, including the ways they are impacted by trade and economic policy, and their public health implications.
“I think if we moved more towards policies that frame access to healthy and culturally appropriate food and healthcare as a right we would see a big shift in these issues.”
Question of the Day: Do you see a relationship between trade agreements and chronic disease?
On this Episode you will Learn:
Ideologies Surrounding “Healthy Foods”
Economic and Political Factors Impacting Chronic Illness
Effects of NAFTA and other Trade Policies
Reimagining Chronic Illness beyond Individual Responsibility
Nutritional Policies for Diabetes and Obesity
Connect with Yumlish!
Connect with Alyshia Gálvez!
Key Points:
0:00 - Intro with Shireen!
2:30 - How did you become passionate about public health and medical anthropology?
4:15 - How have social ideologies shaped the definition of “healthy foods”?
9:10 - Can you talk a little bit about your book Eating NAFTA: Food Policies and the Destruction of Mexico and what current issues exist in public health food policy?
13:10- What is the connection between food policy and chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes?
21:30 - How can we reimagine chronic disease to examine larger economic and political forces rather than blaming individuals for their nutrition?
24:50 - What nutritional policy changes would you like to see?
27:05 - How can our listeners connect with you and learn more about your work?
28:25 - Outro with Shireen!
