Anne Arundel Community College lecturer examines hidden costs of U.S. food system in new book

Anne Arundel Community College part-time faculty member Stian Rice, Ph.D., explores the environmental, social and economic impacts of the American food system in his new book, "Elsewhere: How the U.S. Food System Cultivates, Consumes, and Conceals Its Violence," published by West Virginia University Press this month.

In "Elsewhere," Rice examines the 250-year history of the U.S. food system to uncover how the country used abundance to enrich some and exploit others; how it captured, colonized and reorganized territory to conceal its harms; and why decades of technological innovation, environmental awareness and consumer consciousness haven’t staunched these self-inflicted wounds.

"With this book, I’m eager to share some of the marvelous absurdities of our food system with people looking to shake things up," Rice said. "I talk and write about diverse geographies and histories because I think these stories will resonate with people today. These stories are uncomfortable, and I'm excited by the possibility that this discomfort can be put to good work. In the process, I'm looking forward to building connections with people and communities who are or are hoping to do this good work."

Rice teaches geography at AACC and is an assistant research scientist with the Center for Urban Environmental Research at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He has written about famine, genocide and structural violence for academic and general audiences since 2012 and is also the author of "Famine in the Remaking: Food System Change and Mass Starvation in Hawaii, Madagascar, and Cambodia."

The book is available in paperback and e-book formats through West Virginia University Press and major booksellers.

FOR PUBLICITY & MEDIA INQUIRIES
Abby Freeland
publicity@littlebirdsliterary.com