Future of Food: Journal on Food

Trust and the clean food imaginaries: an analysis of a short food supply chain from Romania

Hestia Delibas
Babes - Bolyai University

As concerns about food safety and environmental issues gain more attention in the public eye, organic labels are growing in popularity, being presented as the solution for a more sustainable and conscious food system. Yet, organic certificates did not manage to actively change the food system but merely created a niche to be exploited, thus many of the environmental-friendly practices being co-opted by corporations without addressing the larger issues of concern. This paper looks at how small producers, who are otherwise excluded from accessing the premium prices of organic food markets, can still seize community economic rent through the close relationship formed as part of a Community supported agriculture. Using a qualitative research methodology, based on semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis, and drawing from Alternative food Networks literature, I am investigating one such alternative network from Romania called  Peasant Box (Cutia Taranului) which re-spatialize the distribution chain, by creating a direct selling network between food producers and consumers. In my research I  focused on the way in which both consumers and producers perceive the value of  food and on the distinct discursive constructions regarding food, as either valued based on the place of origin (authenticity) or on the way it was produced (naturalness). Peasant Box operates outside formalised certification, the food is considered good by the virtue of trust, which is formed through the long-lasting relationship between consumers and producers.

Keywords : Alternative food networks ,organic certificates ,community supported agriculture ,trust ,Romania ,social embeddedness ,Babes Bolyai University .

Myanmar High School Students’ Perceptions of College and International Readiness in Western Society

Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
International students are more likely to experience mental health issues and increased stress. Mental health is often surrounded by negative societal stigmas that act as barriers to seeking support and tend to lead to greater mental health concerns. International students tend to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers rather than seeking out counseling services. However, this study shows that LGBTQIA+ international students were less likely to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers due to fear of their sexual orientation being discovered and their families finding out about their identity. This study examines how LGBTQIA+ international students talk about their experiences on and off campus in relations to their socioemotional well-being. Specifically, this study sought to better understand the complexities of LGBTQIA+ students’ identities, and the challenges they faced in terms of their socioemotional well-being. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Keywords : international students, socioemotional well-being, mental health, identity development, intersectionality, LGBTQIA