Podcast Notes: Balancing Society's Needs for Meat and Eggs

Introduction

• Host: Sarah Zoubek, Associate Director of the World Food Policy Center at Duke University.
• Guest: Christopher Carter, Methodist Pastor and Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego.
• Topic: Balancing needs and wants for meat and eggs against those of farmers and farm animals, with insights from theologians and ethicists.

Christopher Carter's Background

• Background in Theology, Religion, and Ethics and Society.
• Author of "The Future of Meat Without Animals."
• Focuses on the food system through lenses of racial equity, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.

Farm Forward Involvement

• Farm Forward: Organization aimed at reducing factory farming and promoting sustainable farming.
• Christopher's Role: Former Executive Director Aaron Gross connected Carter’s work linking farm animal welfare, race, and farm workers.

Research and Outreach

• Conducted research in Louisiana on indigenous African agricultural practices.
• Emphasizes the knowledge African enslaved people brought to animal agriculture.
• Involvement with local churches to help think theologically about food.

Theological Thinking About Food

• Starts with grace and thankfulness for food.
• Encourages churches to map assumptions around food sources, preparation, and consumption.
• Uses personal stories and historical narratives to change perspectives.

Challenges in Theological Food Thinking

• Inward-focused churches challenge the cost implications of ethical food sourcing.
• Encouragement to reconsider food sourcing as aligned with religious beliefs.

Soul Food and Black Theology

• Writing a book titled "Spirit of Soul Food."
• Argues for African American Christians to reflect theologically on food, leveraging cultural heritage.
• Aims to decolonize perceptions of food through black experiences and traditions.

Reclaiming African American Agricultural Heritage

• The importance of recognizing the agricultural knowledge brought by enslaved Africans.
• Reconnecting African American communities with their agricultural past.
• Empowering black communities to see agriculture as a part of their heritage.

Challenges and Aims

• Addressing misconceptions that agriculture equates to slavery for black communities.
• Promoting pride and understanding in African American agricultural contributions.

Upcoming Event at Duke University

• Purpose: Facilitating a large meeting around food and faith.
• Goals: Cross-pollination of ideas among academics, practitioners, and farmers.
• Outcome Sought: Actionable plans beyond the meeting to positively impact food systems.

Conclusion

• Christopher Carter emphasizes interconnectedness in food systems and religious beliefs.

• The podcast highlights the need for continuous dialogue and action in addressing systemic issues in food sourcing and consumption.

• Note: Subscribe to "The Leading Voices in Food" on SoundCloud or visit the Duke World Food Policy Center website for more insights.