Consumption as ethics: Talking with students about food

Consumption as ethics: Talking with students about food

Author: Ethical Schools September 3, 2020 Duration: 27:15

We welcome back Monica Chen of Factory Farming Awareness Coalition. She describes the animal-agricultural complex that exploits workers in meatpacking plants and animals in factory farms and devastates communities and the environment. Monica introduces FFAC’s culturally-competent virtual lessons and presentations for students from middle school through university, customized for all subject areas.  Students who want to become social justice activists, with food as the hub that connects worker rights, sustainability, and environmental racism can apply to FFAC’s intern program.

Overview

00:00-00:52 Intro

00:52-03:29 Definition and origin of factory farms (FF)

03:29-05:27 Impact of FF on climate change

05:27-06:07 Methane from cows and climate change

06:07-08:17 Depletion and pollution of natural resources

08:17-09:31 Water use and drought (particularly in California)

09:31-12:33 Chickens

12:33-13:52 Pigs

13:52-16:20 Meatpacking plants

16:20-19:16 Factory Farming Awareness Coalition (FFAC) programming for classrooms and distance learning

19:16-22:12 Tailoring content area presentations

22:12-24:05 FFAC’s intern program

24:05-25:52 Relationship of FF to spread of infectious diseases

25:52-27:15 Outro

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcription of this episode. 

References

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Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
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