Food mapping: a psychogeographical method for raising food consciousness

Abstract

Food mapping is a new, participatory, interdisciplinary pedagogical approach to learning about our modern food systems. This method is inspired by the Situationist International's practice of the “dérive” and draws from the discourses of critical geography, the food movement's research on food deserts, and participatory action research. Using a “critical food lens,” this experiential exercise encourages participants to look beyond their plates and think about the health, economic, and ecological impacts of food. This ethnographic activity produces user-generated data and has the potential to transform participants' understanding of how agricultural practices effect other societal institutions.

Keywords::

• food consciousness
• psychogeography
• critical geography
• community mapmaking
• participatory action research
• food movement

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the Peace Village of Cincinnati for their continued support to talk about the important issues of food and hunger. Special thanks to Independent Scholar, William J. Brown, Ph.D. for his inspiration and guidance regarding the work of the Situationist International.