Society for the Anthropology of Food and Nutrition

Directory of Web Sites in Food Studies & Nutritional Anthropology

Directory Compiled and Indexed by Jessica R. Armstrong, Megan M. Bond, Kristen M. Boone, Jessica L. Lott, Rebecca Nupp, Sarah A. Wennogle, and Miriam S. Chaiken Submissions from Miriam S. Chaiken, Mária Claudia Duque Páramo, Maria Jefferds, Tom Marchione, Crystal Patil, Gretel Pelto, Tracy E. Ore, Megan Saynisch, and Brian Stross

Introduction

This directory is a compilation and summary of well over 100 web sites that are related to food studies, nutritional anthropology, health, and policy. We have endeavored to provide a consistent format and key word index so that users can identify the specific web sites that may be useful to them. As with all web based resources, web addresses sometimes change and become inactive, but we have endeavored to verify that all of these web sites are live. We anticipate periodic revisions of this resource, so if you identify inactive web sites, and/or can suggest additional sites that should be added to this directory, we would welcome your input. This resource reflects the contributions and collaboration of many SAFN members, and we hope it will provide a useful resource for all of us. Please feel free to be a collaborator in this ongoing web project and submit suggestions for improvement.

• Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture

  Abstract: The website for the Journal of Food and Culture provides issue guides and sample articles online, as well as procedures for ordering the full issues. Sample articles include letters from the editor, information about the history of food, cross-cultural perspectives, and restaurant reviews. The site also features extras: an image gallery of featured art, information about featured chefs, an extensive synopsis of food in films, and articles about the origins and meanings of gourmet food terms.

  Keywords: gourmet, foodways, food history

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• Farm to Table: A Project of Earth Pledge

  Abstract: Farm to Table provides information on how to obtain fresh, local food grown using sustainable practices. Although the site focuses regionally on New York, its database also includes some locations outside of the state but primarily in the same region (such as New Jersey, New England, and Pennsylvania). The site also features general information, including full-text articles and essays on issues in agriculture; for example, biotechnology, the environment, livestock, and seafood. Additionally, Farm to Table provides a comprehensive list of books and an online dictionary of terms related to sustainable agriculture.

  Keywords: ecology, agriculture, New York, United States

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• Eat Well Guide

  Abstract: Abstract: This site provides a way for people living throughout the United States and Canada to find local farms, stores, and restaurants functioning through sustainable agriculture. Users can create personalized lists and sign up for newsletters. It also contains links to a wealth of information about sustainable agriculture via the Sustainable Table website.

  Keywords: gourmet, foodways, food history

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• Sustainable Table

  Abstract: Abstract: The site contains extensive information about sustainable agriculture, including a wide array of background material, frequently asked questions, and farmer and consumer testimonials. It also features shopping and cooking guides with recipes and regional information.

  Keywords: ecology, agriculture, slow foods, recipes

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• Obesity Research at the National Institutes of Health

  Abstract: Abstract: The site outlines the NIH goals toward obesity research and provides a list of related government health websites. It also includes a list of funding opportunities for obesity research and links to tips on grant writing.

  Keywords: obesity, education, diet

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• Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults

  Abstract: Abstract: The site provides basic information about obesity in the United States and the health risks it poses, as well as providing federal guidelines on identification, evaluation, and treatment of obesity. It also includes a BMI calculator and guidelines.

  Keywords: obesity, growth standards, nutritional standards

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• The Elimination of Iodine Deficiency: A Resource Package for the CEE/CIS and Baltic States Region

  Abstract: Abstract: This site, a part of UNICEF, includes health information and current news about iodine deficiency globally and in the Baltic states, and suggests concrete methods for eliminating this deficiency.

  Keywords: micronutrient, Russia, eastern Europe, metabolic disorder

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• Family Health International: Publications

  Abstract: Abstract: Family Health International, a nonprofit public health organization, provides access to their publications, which are accessible either through browsing a list or through a searchable database. The publications relate to three over-arching themes: HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and maternal and child health. The list of available publications is extensive, and specifically nutrition-related articles can be found most easily by using the search engine on the main page.

  Keywords: infectious disease, child growth, breastfeeding

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• Kaiser Family Foundation: Studies of Entertainment Media and Health

  Abstract: Abstract: The Kaiser Family Foundation website seeks to provide non-partisan health information through coverage of related news and debates. The Entertainment Media homepage primarily contains information about food advertising and its effects on children and teens. More articles can also be accessed through the search feature on the main page.

  Keywords: foodways, publications, infectious disease, education

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• The Community Guide: Obesity

  Abstract: Abstract: The Guide to Community Prevention Services provided by the CDC encompasses a wide variety of health issues. The obesity homepage provides information about obesity interventions: school-based, worksite, healthcare system, and community-wide. The site also includes research information about controlling obesity, a search engine, and links to other health-related information.

  Keywords: obesity, education, exercise

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• American Dietetic Association Evidence Analysis Library

  Abstract: Abstract: This site from the ADA provides scientific evidence analysis on a wide range of nutritional topics. Topics are organized into categories such as: diseases & conditions, nutrition care process, foods, and nutrients. The site also includes news, a list of nutrition resources, and information about the ADA's evidence analysis process.

  Keywords: obesity, infectious disease, foodways, micronutrient

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• Using the CDC Growth Charts: Accurately Weighing & Measuring

  Abstract: Abstract: This site from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gives step-by-step instructions on using equipment to accurately measure child growth.

  Keywords: child growth, growth standards

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• Evidence-Based Public Health (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials)

  Abstract: Abstract: ASTHO, a national nonprofit organization representing public health agencies in the United States, works toward influencing sound public health policy. The site includes newsletters and publications on a wide range of topics related to health and nutrition, as well as information about current public health policy and advocacy.

  Keywords: food policy, infectious disease, obesity, child health, education

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• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Center for Disease Control)

  Abstract: Abstract: This site from the CDC provides information about how many adults in the United States engage in specific behavioral risk factors. Topics are separated by categories (such as fruit and vegetable consumption, diabetes, exercise, and alcohol consumption) and demographic information is shown for states and large cities. The site also contains links to similar information about prevalence and trends throughout the U.S.

  Keywords: foodways, exercise, obesity, diabetes

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• Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T.

  Abstract: Abstract: This site provides methods for assessing and controlling cancer. It includes information and assessment tools regarding nutritional risk factors, and methods for improving the diet to prevent various types of cancer.

  Keywords: disease, cancer, diet

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• Nutrition and Physical Activity Inventory of Qualitative Research (CDC)

  Abstract: Abstract: This site from the CDC provides a searchable database of a wide range of qualitative research on nutrition and physical activity conducted from 1997 to the present. Each study includes information about the topic, target audience, purpose, methods, and a contact person.

  Keywords: publications, food policy, diet, child growth, ethnicity, exercise

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• Center for Advanced Studies in Nutrition and Social Marketing

  Abstract: Abstract: This site provides tools for researchers interested in measuring the nutritional health of a community or individual, with the main page divided into environmental and individual tools. Individual tools include assessments of dietary intake, food preference, food security, and physical activity. Environmental tools are designed to provide assessments of communities such as work, school, and church. For each survey, the site provides goals, target audience, instructions for use, and references. The site also provides links to news, a lecture series, information about diet and cancer, and related sites and publications.

  Keywords: nutritional standards, diet, foodways, exercise

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• Vandana Shiva's ZNet HomePage

  Abstract: Abstract: This is the personal website of Dr. Vandana Shiva, an author working toward biodiversity conservation and farmers' rights in India. It features a wide variety of commentary articles by Dr. Shiva, focusing heavily on globalization, ecology, poverty, and conflict. Many, but not all, of the articles center on India.

  Keywords: India, food policy, ecology, war/conflict

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• USDA: Healthy Schools Local Wellness Policy

  Abstract: Abstract: This site from the USDA provides information about local wellness policy as required by law. In addition to the government-mandated requirements, the site also contains guidelines on creation and implementation of wellness policies, examples of successful wellness policies, tips on funding, resources for policy implementation, and frequently asked questions.

  Keywords: child growth, nutritional standards, education

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• Sustainable Table

  Abstract: Abstract: he site contains extensive information about sustainable agriculture, including a wide array of background material, frequently asked questions, and farmer and consumer testimonials. It also features shopping and cooking guides with recipes and regional information.

  Keywords: ecology, agriculture, slow foods, recipes

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• The WHO Child Growth Standards

  Abstract: Abstract: The World Health Organization provides information about child growth standards and how to determine whether children are growing healthfully. The site features instructions and charts for all of the approved methods of measuring child growth, and includes printable health cards for reference.

  Keywords: child growth, growth standards, RDA

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• Pediatric and Pregnancy Nutrition Surveillance System (CDC)

  Abstract: Abstract: The Center for Disease Control provides tables with nutritional health information for pregnant women and infants. The tables are separated into three categories: demographics, prevalence, and trends. Demographics provides information about the demographics of children under 5 years. Prevalence deals mainly with breastfeeding, child growth, and anemia. The trends section primarily provides a summary of trends in indicators of breastfeeding and anemia.

  Keywords: breastfeeding, child growth, micronutrient, growth monitoring, women and children

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• World Food Habits: English-Language Resources for the Anthropology of Food and Nutrition

  Abstract: Abstract: This website provides lists of publications dealing with the food habits of people throughout the world. Organized into geographic regions and also into specific topics such as cannibalism, disease, malnutrition, etc., this is a helpful resource for anyone looking for resources on a variety of topics dealing with food and nutrition. Each publication is listed along with a series of keywords, and many of them include links to websites in which the publication can be found.

  Keywords: Publications, foodways, ritual, food taboo

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• Ryerson's Centre for Studies in Food Security

  Abstract: Abstract: This website highlights the work being done by Ryerson's Centre for studies in food security, a program based at Ryerson University in Canada. Focusing not only on food security issues surrounding the aboriginal peoples of Canada, the Centre also researches urban poverty in Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Centre's website includes information about the roles of civil society, the environment, gender roles, urban agriculture, and urban design as they relate to food security. A list of publications dealing with the above issues can be found at this website at the following link: www.ryerson.ca/~foodsec/centrePublications.html.

  Keywords: ethnicity, poverty, food security

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• Social Issues Research Centre

  Abstract: Abstract: The Social Issues Research Centre is an independent, non-profit organization founded to conduct research on social and lifestyle issues, monitor and assess global socio-cultural trends and provide new insights on human behavior and social relations. This website includes an anthropological series on food and eating by Robin Fox that focuses on a variety of issues: nutrition, table manners, ceremonial eating, food fashions, food as seduction, eating out, etc. An Adobe document containing each of Fox's articles can be found at the following link: www.sirc.org/publik/foxfood.pdf.

  Keywords: ritual, foodways, food taboos, food history

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• Plants For a Future: Edible, Medicinal, and Useful Plants for a Healthier World

  Abstract: Abstract: Plants For A Future is a resource center for rare and unusual plants, particularly those which have edible, medicinal or other uses. Including 7000 species of edible or otherwise useful plants, this website is fully searchable and includes links to pages with information on woodland gardening, vegan organics, plant suppliers, and various news groups and mailing lists pertaining to agriculture and permaculture.

  Keywords: ecology, agriculture, slow foods, recipes

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• www.food-insects.com

  Abstract: Abstract: This website provides information on the current importance and the future potential of insects as a global food resource. Included in this website's 'menu of offerings' are recipe books, published research and inquiry on insects as a food resource, as well as a link to The Food Insects Newsletter, which includes access to issues published between 1988 and 1995.

  Keywords: food taboos, food products, recipes

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• New Crop Resource Online Program

  Abstract: Abstract: NewCROP (New Crops Resource Online Program) is an information-rich site related to crop plants. It is a project of the Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products and is associated with the New Crop Diversification project and the Jefferson Institute. By using the CropINDEX, it is possible to locate information about specific crops using either their common or scientific names. The site also includes a search engine helpful in locating crops by name, topic, uses, geography, or author citations. Specialized subject areas embedded in NewCROP include Famine Foods and Aromatic, Herbal, and Medicine Plants. This website also allows users to interact with CropMAP, a nation-wide location-specific crop information system. Other resources to be found at this site include: CropREFERENCE (books and manuals on crops); CropEXPERT (directory of new crop resource personnel); NewCrop EVENTS (conferences, events, and upcoming symposia); and NewCrop DISCUSSION GROUPS.

  Keywords: agriculture, ecology, foodways

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• Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages

  Abstract: Abstract: This website presents information on 117 different spice plants. Emphasis is on their usage in ethnic cuisines, particularly in Asia. Additionally, information is included on the history, chemical constituents, and the etymology of the spice names. In navigating this site, visitors are asked to make use of the search engine or browse the indices. The English Index gives the English and scientific names for all spices, and the Alphabetic Index allows users to locate spice names in more than 50 different languages. Other indices include the Botanic Index, the Morphologic Index, the Geographic Index, and the Spice Mixture Index.

  Keywords: recipes, ethnicity, agriculture, ecology

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• The Cook's Thesaurus

  Abstract: Abstract: The Cook's Thesaurus is a cooking encyclopedia that covers thousands of ingredients and kitchen tools. Entries include pictures, descriptions, synonyms, pronunciations, and suggested substitutions.

  Keywords: recipes, ingredients, ethnicity, gourmet

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• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: FAO Corporate Document Repository

  Abstract: Abstract: The FAO Corporate Document Repository houses FAO documents and publications, as well as selected non-FAO publications, in electronic format. To navigate the site, visitors are asked to use the search box or browse the publication index.

  Keywords: publications, agriculture, food policy, food aid

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• Foodways of Austin

  Abstract: Abstract: This website is maintained by Foodways, a social adult learning group operating out of Austin, Texas that shares stories, recipes, traditions, techniques, and culture relating to food. Included on this site are links to websites encompassing information on food history, as well as recipes, and other resources related to food and culture.

  Keywords: United States, recipes, ethnicity, foodways

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• Weird Food

  Abstract: Abstract: According to weird-food.com, 'Nearly every culture invents a food that is weird or disgusting to outsiders. These strange foods from around the world are cultural markers to show who's a member (insiders like it) and who's not a member (outsiders hate it.)' This website highlights many of these foods under the following headings: vegetable, fish, bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, bugs, etc. The website is also searchable by food type or geographic region.

  Keywords: food taboos, foodways, recipes, ethnicity

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• America Eats

  Abstract: Abstract: This website provides links to pages containing information not only on favorite American Foods (hotdogs, pizza, ice cream, etc.), but also on American Food Culture (home cooking, restaurant dining, eating competitions, etc), America Food Issues (school nutrition, food banks, etc.), and American Regional Cuisines. All information pages are written by food writer Elliot Essman.

  Keywords: recipes, foodways, United States

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• The Food Museum Online

  Abstract: Abstract: This website is maintained by The Food Museum, the world's only independent food museum, and offers exhibits on food history and food heritage sites. The home page features temporary exhibits and serves as a gateway to food issues, the food news blog, educational programs, book reviews, other food favorites and links.

  Keywords: foodways, food history recipes

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• The Food Timeline

  Abstract: Abstract: Created as an independent research project by Lynne Olver, reference librarian and IACP member, this site details food and recipe history dating back to the beginnings of human evolution. Very comprehensive and accessible to almost all audiences, this would be a useful resource to anyone researching any aspect of food history.

  Keywords: food history, agriculture, recipe, foodways

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• Conversions

  Abstract: Abstract: This website contains U.S. to European conversions for cooking. Additionally, the Glossary converts food terms from Spanish to English, English to Spanish, and Spanish of one country or district to Spanish of another.

  Keywords: recipes, ethnicity, foodways

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• Online Book: Lost Crops of the Incas: Little-Known Plants of the Andes with Promise for Worldwide Cultivation

  Abstract: Abstract: According to the description of this book provided by the National Academic Press, 'This fascinating, readable volume is filled with enticing, detailed information about more than 30 different Incan crops that promise to follow the potato's lead and become important contributors to the world's food supply. Some of these overlooked foods offer special advantages for developing nations, such as high nutritional quality and excellent yields. Many are adaptable to areas of the United States.'

  Keywords: agriculture, Andes, South America

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• The Politics of Food 2006

  Abstract: Abstract: This website was created by the students of a 'Sociology and Politics of Food' class at St. Cloud State University in 2006. It is meant to share information with the general population. It explores how food affects power structures in groups of people through production, distribution, preparation, consumption, and/or representation. There is background information, information for consumers, things you can do to make a difference, and a source listing for several foods.

  Keywords: ethnicity, political economy, foodways

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• The Politics of Food 2005

  Abstract: Abstract: This website was created by the students of a 'Sociology and Politics of Food' class at St. Cloud State University in 2005. It is meant to share information with the general population. It explores how food affects power structures in groups of people through production, distribution, preparation, consumption, and/or representation. There is background information, information for consumers, things you can do to make a difference, and a source listing for several foods. Different foods are explored on this page than on the 2006 page.

  Keywords: ethnicity, political economy, foodways

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• Sodexho: A Miscellaneous Account

  Abstract: Abstract: This is a graduate project from St. Cloud State University that explores the history and political connections of the food service company at the university. A discussion is included about the ethics of the company.

  Keywords: food corporations, political economy, ethnicity

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• USDA Inc.: How Agribusiness has hijacked regulatory policy at the U.S. Department of Agriculture

  Abstract: Abstract: Five case studies are used to illustrate the changes in the USDA that have occurred through ties to agri-business, resulting in the abandonment of its public mission. Four reforms are proposed for separating the food industry from the USDA.

  Keywords: food policy, food safety, agriculture, United States

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• Biotech Wars: Food Freedom Vs. Food Slavery

  Abstract: Abstract: This article argues against the safety and ethics of genetically modified foods. It is argued that genetically modified foods are being imposed on the world by global corporations and the backing of the United States government.

  Keywords: genetic modification, food policy, food safety

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• Bottled Water: Ecologist Online

  Abstract: Abstract: This article addresses several myths about bottled water and presents some statistics about bottled water consumption. It is argued that bottled water is not as healthy as it is portrayed to be and has negative environmental consequences.

  Keywords: food corporations, food safety, nutritional standards

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