The Critical Food Studies Lab is a joint initiative of the IU Food Institute and the IU Department of Geography. We use data, mathematical modeling, and visualization techniques to examine food security, food sovereignty and food justice issues in the United States and, to a lesser degree, throughout the world. We regularly work with those engaged in decision-making and ethnographic approaches in an effort to provide a well- rounded approach to the major hunger crises that face America and the world.

Current projects

Real Food Challenge at IU - students in the CFSL have worked every year to support the data collection, conversations, and information gathering to inform the annual RFC reports. The Real Food Challenge is a movement to push large institutions to support locally, ethically, humanely, and sustainably sourced food to restructure food industry practices as a whole. At Indiana University, we’re hoping to create a network of local food producers and strengthen their place in the food system.

Food Equity and Justice - Examining local and regional stories and initiatives to create more equitable and just food systems in Indiana including Black Farmers in Indiana, White Supremacy at a Public Farmers' Market; and a History of Diversity and Effects of Discrimination in the Indiana Food System. 

Food Access - SNAP, the Thrifty Food Plan, and the Covid Pandemic are factors that impact household access to food, nutritious food, and food subsidies. For years, the CFSL has examined factors through the lens of equity and justice including advocacy, social science, and geographical research.