Discussion Questions
1. Why did food insecurity rates drastically increase during the recession beginning in 2008?
2. As explained in this chapter, the United States has not ratified the international covenant on the human right to adequate food. Why do you think this has not happened? What could be done to encourage adoption of this document?
3. In perspective 5.4, Janet Poppendieck argues for universal school meals. What are the main counterarguments to her perspective? What is your opinion?
4. Perspective 5.2 and 5.3 present two views about whether SNAP benefits should be permitted for use in purchasing items such as sugar sweetened beverages. Which arguments did you find most persuasive on each side? More broadly, what is your opinion? There are some stakeholdersn both sides of the issue who may be motivated by concerns other than those they state. What might these concerns be?
5. American Indians and Latino immigrants have high rates of food insecurity and are more among the communities most difficult to reach. Knowing the complexity of food insecurity, what structural factors do you think affects these communities, which may increase their food insecurity rates? How might they be reached more effectively?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.