CALENDAR ITEM: MU Life Sciences Symposium “Food Sense” Events to Focus on Food and Society
Story Contact(s):
MU News Bureau, munewsbureau@missouri.edu, 573-882-6211
By Brad Fischer
COLUMBIA, Mo. – How we perceive food and what we eat are influenced by culture, biology, economics and social surroundings. Beginning this month, the University of Missouri’s Life Science and Society Program (LSSP) will host several events focusing on taste and food choices in today’s world. The schedule of events will end with the “Food Sense” symposium held March 15-18, 2012.
The following events are free and open to the public:
- Film Screening and Discussion, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 8
Ragtag Cinema
The Ragtag Cinema will host a free screening of “The Burger and the King: The Life and Cuisine of Elvis Presley.” The documentary focuses on Presley’s life and his love of food. Following the film, Beth Shoyer, a psychologist who specializes in mindful eating, will lead a discussion of the film and its concepts. Donations will benefit the 2012 LSSP Symposium.
- Film Screening and Discussion, 5:30 p.m., Jan. 19
Ragtag Cinema
The Ragtag Cinema will host a free screening of “Lunch Lines.” The documentary explores the genesis and evolution of the National School Lunch Program. A film discussion will be held following the screening.
- Art Show, Feb. 14-March 31
Perlow-Stevens Art Gallery
The Perlow-Stevens Art Gallery will host the “Food: Fact or Fiction” art show. The show will feature local artists’ work addressing the current state of food in society. For more information visit www.perlow-stevensgallery.com/news.
- Film Screening, 7 p.m., March 2
MU Museum of Art & Archaeology
The MU Museum of Art & Archaeology will host a free screening of “Mostly Martha.” The feature film focuses on a chef grieving the loss of her sister. A film discussion will be held following the screening.
- Ellis Library Exhibition, March 6-29
MU Libraries will host an exhibit entitled “Food Revolutions: Science & Nutrition 1700 – 1920.” The exhibit will be held in the Ellis Library Colonnade. Ingolf Gruen, associate professor and chair of food sciences, will present “Food Revolutions: How Science Changed the Way We Eat, 1550-2350” at 2 p.m., March 6.
- Film Screening and Discussion, 5:30 p.m., March 14
Ragtag Cinema
The Ragtag Cinema will host a free screening of “Tampopo.” The comedy follows two truck drivers and a chef in their quest to create the perfect fast-food noodle restaurant. Following the film, LuAnne Roth, a specialist on food, folklore and culture, will lead a discussion of the film and its concepts.
- Research Poster Exhibition, 2-4 p.m., March 15
Bond Life Sciences Center
The Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Research Week Poster Session will focus on aspects of sense and sensation as they relate to food and physical activity, including biological triggers, cultural norms, economic activity and social surroundings. The exhibition will take place in the Bond Life Sciences Center.
The MU Life Sciences and Society program brings together researchers from different disciplines in the humanities, sciences and social sciences to explore the mutual impacts and influences between the life sciences and society.