Mak Hussain

Strategist. Student at @FoodPolicyCity. Exploring the economics and politics of putting people back in the center of the food system

[Mak Hussain @makh530]

An initial strategy as I set off on my food journey: When imaging the "Food System 4.0" that replaces our current food system, what should it take from the traditional, transitional, and modern food systems that have fed our communities thus far?
https://t.co/771rjkwjGV

[Ani Dasgupta @AniDasguptaWRI]

The extreme heat rifling through India is deeply shocking.

Nearly 100 million people live in India's 10 hottest cities. Many are struggling to get by during this extraordinary heat wave, testing dangerous thresholds and the ability to adapt.

https://t.co/z4J6bymVyW

[daanis @gindaanis]

That organizes a society differently. Because children and the elderly have particular needs that in our society, organized around adults, would see as accomodations. But with the elderly and children at the center .. norms and expectations are different.

[Tom Philpott @tomphilpott]

@TamarHaspel @MarkSchatzker @whsource The rise of the modern industrial food production may undermined that maxim. It's great at churning out calories and protein while minimizing micronutrients and vita stuff like fiber.

[Stella Nordhagen @StellaNordhagen]

Addressing these issues require the market price of food to be much closer to the true cost of food, including a fair price for the labor that brings it to farm to fork (and beyond) -- while ensuring low-income households can still afford nutritious foods. 5/6

[Krishnendu Ray @Raykris1]

Tough to break that habit and state that there are no real superfoods; which is a peculiar cross between modern American marketing hype and neotraditionalism.

[Families Forward VA Advocacy @FamiliesFwdVA]

A new public library in my area has these work stations for caregivers with babies! Maybe these are common in other places but Ive never seen anything like this before.

[BBC World Service @bbcworldservice]

The yaboi is a small silver fish from West Africa but it's becoming much harder to catch.

Rich in essential nutrients, it's an important nutritional meal for Senegal’s children. So why is the yaboi disappearing?

https://t.co/rEDFuLHTeA

[Patrick McKenzie @patio11]

Uber Eats and similar are probably not the final form of food delivery, and “collaborative lunch ordering for workplaces” is probably not the final form of catering.

[Mak Hussain @makh530]

So, between shareholders, supplier-customers, and consumers, whose interests will be represented by the giants who determine what products we see and how we see them? 6/6

[Mak Hussain @makh530]

This reminds me a surprising amount like Amazon’s P&L: “One way supermarkets keep costs low is by charging suppliers fees for marketing and selling their products, generating ‘commercial income’ which can equal or exceed supermarkets’ bottom-line profits.” 1/6

[Food Research Collaboration @foodresearchuk]

Our #supermarketing report by Lisa Jack finds that generating ‘commercial income’ can equal or exceed supermarkets’ bottom-line profits.

Without the income generated by charging supplier fees, British #supermarkets would be running at or near a loss.

https://t.co/fOrt2xRAWI

[Mak Hussain @makh530]

Buy consumer loyalty, time, and attention with underpriced or free goods and services, then earn a profit selling ad space to your real customers: the suppliers, manufacturers, and sellers 5/6

[Mak Hussain @makh530]

But food SWAMPS do https://t.co/slZprcQqtd

[Tamar Haspel @TamarHaspel]

3. FOOD DESERTS DON'T CAUSE CRAPPY DIETS, OR OBESITY

Put a supermarket in a food desert, and nothing changes. A zillion studies show it.

But *everyone* should have access to good food. It’s necessary for a decent diet. It’s just not sufficient.

https://t.co/mFOwmwbsqc

[Carlos A. Monteiro @CMonteiro_USP]

Excellent review on 37 cohort studies suggests that the adverse consequences of UPFs are independent of dietary nutrient content 'questioning the utility of reformulation to mitigate against the obesity pandemic and wider negative health outcomes of UPFs' https://t.co/WaX05YZRib

[Forrest Fleischman @ForrestFleisch1]

In the last week I've started to receive inquiries from people running tree planting programs wanting my help. I am suggesting that they shut down their programs. Here I will explain why:

[Forrest Fleischman @ForrestFleisch1]

To me a focus on the number of trees, as opposed to, say, the well-being of the people growing the trees, the carbon stored in them, or the biodiversity they support, is a signal that the tree growing project is not well thought through. I can't support or advise such projects.

[Tom @thelorryist]

What goes into an average shift driving a lorry?

Thought I would live tweet about my shift tonight. Might be interesting, or not, either way I have few remaining opportunities to show you into a world you may not otherwise ever see.

Feel free to share if you wish 🚛