As the Thanksgiving holiday approches, food and agriculture are at the forefront of everyone's mind. Below are some of the week's best articles on Thanksgiving, agriculture, and food security.
Wasting Less Gobble This Thanksgiving, Huffington Post
If you’re like me and the 88% of Americans celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family, you might already be loosening your belt in anticipation of a holiday feast. This remarkable day is famous for celebrating the bounty of our food. This got me thinking. Nationally, we waste up to 40% of our food each year. Thankfully, there are things we can do to minimize food waste on Thanksgiving, and every day of the year.
In the Fight against Hunger, Why Don't We Prioritize Women?, The Hill
Leading up to Thanksgiving, activists are raising awareness about those who are doing without on this major holiday. But, in the conversation around hunger, are we asking, and prioritizing, the right questions? How many women may be skipping meals to provide a hearty feast for their families? Research shows the number is too high and if we want to fight hunger, we would do well to look at issues specific to women.
Sweet Potatoes, Four Ways: Essays from Africa, NPR
The sweet potato has a secret identity. It's not just the food upon which marshmallows are heaped and maple syrup is poured to celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving. It is also a staple of the African diet. And Africans who eat it feel passionately about it. For some, it kindles warm memories. For some, it's a neglected food that deserves a higher profile because of its nutritional value. And some people can't stand it!
How Science Can Save Your Thanksgiving, Washington Post
Thanksgiving looks like it should be simple—a time to indulge in comfort food and relax with friends and family. This is a terrible contrivance. Each year in late November, we’re all expected to turn our humble home kitchens into commercial canteens for a day, slinging out dishes to feed a crowd. But with a few tips from the world of food science—and a little planning—Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be quite such a strain.