Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

"Food Matters, Second Edition, explores questions about the seemingly simple concept of food: What is the purpose of food: sustenance, pleasure, health? How does what we eat determine and reflect our identities? What political, social, and cultural forces affect our food choices? What does it mean to eat ethically? What is food, exactly, and how do advances in technology affect our definition of it? Readings by a range of essayists, scientists, linguists, journalists, farmers, artists, and ordinary citizens take up these questions and more. Questions and assignments for each selection provide a range of activities for students. This new edition of Food Matters features current readings that reflect the evolving conversation about food in our society"