ABSTRACT

What did you have for breakfast? Did you ever stop to think about the people and steps involved with how your banana or cereal got on your plate? Nearly everyone is a part of the global food system, yet few people are aware of how it operates. Kimberly A. Weir starts by evaluating how we are connected with spice farmers, cocoa bean growers, soybean producers, tomato pickers, and tuna fishers not only gives insight into where we fit in the global food chain, but also offers a unique way to understand the aspects and concepts of the global political economy. The book begins by figuring out where readers fit in the global food chain, looking at what affects eating habits and choices, and situating these factors in a global context. From Jicama to Jackfruit provides that insight in abundance.

chapter 1|19 pages

Food and You

The Evolution of Abundance

chapter 2|16 pages

The Food Chain

The Political and Economic Nature of Food

chapter 3|22 pages

Spices

The Evolution of the International Monetary System

chapter 4|26 pages

Cocoa Beans

Global Trade and Labor

chapter 5|25 pages

Soy

Multinational Corporations and Global Food Production

chapter 6|25 pages

Tomatoes

Immigration and the Global Food Supply

chapter 7|26 pages

Tuna

The Global Environment

chapter 8|21 pages

Food for Thought

The Export-Driven Global Food System