The Science That Feeds Us

Rewind: SNAP Explained: How the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Works

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Bowen and Dr. Annie Hardison-Moody join us to explore the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the stories, science, and policies behind it. We talk about who uses SNAP, what it actually provides, and how it became one of the most effective tools for fighting food insecurity in the U.S. We also unpack common myths and look at new policy proposals that could reshape how the program works. Dr. Bowen and Dr. Hardison-Moody remind us that food assistance isn't about who deserves help; it's about recognizing food as a right, not a reward. Learn more about Dr. Hardison-Moody and Dr. Bowen’s work below: Annie Hardison-Moody’s NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/annie-hardison-moody/ [https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/annie-hardison-moody/]  Sarah Bowen’s NC State Bio Page: https://chass.ncsu.edu/people/skbowen/ [https://chass.ncsu.edu/people/skbowen/]  Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic: USDA SNAP Retailer Data: https://www.fns.usda.gov/data-research/data-visualization/snap-retailer-management-dashboard-fy23 [https://www.fns.usda.gov/data-research/data-visualization/snap-retailer-management-dashboard-fy23]  USDA ERS Report on SNAP and the Economy: https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/93529/ERR265_Summary.pdf?v=75369 [https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/93529/ERR265_Summary.pdf?v=75369]  USDA ERS Report on SNAP impact during a recession: https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/102287/ERR-296_Summary.pdf?v=80553 [https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/102287/ERR-296_Summary.pdf?v=80553]  Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Data on SNAP impacts by state: https://www.cbpp.org/snap-helps-low-wage-workers-in-every-state#North_Carolina [https://www.cbpp.org/snap-helps-low-wage-workers-in-every-state#North_Carolina]  Article: Safeguarding SNAP as an Effective Antihunger Program: Myths and Potential Harms of Adding Diet Quality as a Core Objective: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307863 [https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307863]  The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm [https://transistor.fm/?via=music]. Learn how to start a podcast [https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=music] here.

Rewind: Are Seed Oils Bad For You? Breaking Down the Controversy

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ash joins us to break down the buzz, and the backlash, around seed oils. We dive into the science of inflammation, how omega-6s interact in the body, and why understanding a little organic chemistry goes a long way to help make sense of nutrition claims. We also explore how fear-based messaging spreads online, how food influencers keep their audiences hooked, and why nutrition advice often falls apart when it promises a silver bullet. Dr. Ash reminds us that “when you try to oversimplify that one thing, it often just falls apart.”  Learn more about Dr. Ash’s work below: NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/food-bioprocessing-and-nutrition-sciences/people/sla/ [https://cals.ncsu.edu/food-bioprocessing-and-nutrition-sciences/people/sla/]  Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic: Article: Seeding doubt: The truth about cooking oils: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/seeding-doubt-the-truth-about-cooking-oils [https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/seeding-doubt-the-truth-about-cooking-oils]  Article: The Facts About Plant Oils: https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/healthy-eating/the-facts-about-plant-oils/ [https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/healthy-eating/the-facts-about-plant-oils/]  Book: Pressure Cooker: Why Home Cooking Won’t Solve Our Problems and What We Can Do About It: https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Cooker-Cooking-Solve-Problems/dp/0190663294 [https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Cooker-Cooking-Solve-Problems/dp/0190663294]  The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm [https://transistor.fm/?via=music]. Learn how to start a podcast [https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=music] here.

Strawberry Thoughts: Where Philosophy Meets Science and Agriculture

In this episode, Katie and Bhavisha take a step away from the data and into the harder, often unspoken questions that shape science communication in practice. We reflect on what it means to do this work in spaces where expertise, public values, and lived experience do not always align, and where simply presenting the facts falls short. Drawing on our own experiences, we talk through moments where advocating for evidence can feel at odds with maintaining trust, and where stakeholder perspectives surface real tensions around trade-offs, not just misunderstandings. We also unpack the role of social media in shaping how science is shared, interpreted, and challenged, and how these platforms can both amplify and complicate communication efforts. Throughout the conversation, we come back to the idea that these tensions are not problems to solve, but conditions to work within, and that learning to sit with them is part of becoming a more thoughtful and effective communicator. Learn more about our work below: Katie Sanders’ NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/catherine-sanders/ [https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/catherine-sanders/]  Bhavisha Gulabrai’s NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/bhavisha-gulabrai/ [https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/bhavisha-gulabrai/]  Hub for Food Systems Communication and Engagement: https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/food-systems-comm-hub/ [https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/food-systems-comm-hub/]  UC Berkeley- The real process of science: https://undsci.berkeley.edu/understanding-science-101/how-science-works/the-real-process-of-science/  The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm [https://transistor.fm/?via=music]. Learn how to start a podcast [https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=music] here.

Glyphosate Uncovered: Evaluating Controversial Products

In this episode, Dr. Melinda Knuth joins us to unpack the science and social dynamics behind glyphosate, one of the most widely used and debated weed control products. Dr. Knuth explains what glyphosate is, how it works, and how recent lawsuits, questions about scientific transparency, and differing global health conclusions have contributed to public uncertainty. From a consumer behavior perspective, we explore how trust, social media, and peer-to-peer communication shape public perceptions more than traditional institutions. We also discuss how personal values, including preferences for “natural” and organic products, influence decision making and contribute to common misunderstandings about pesticide use. Finally, the conversation highlights how both consumers and producers weigh effectiveness, cost, and safety along with the role of affordability and social factors. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on scientific uncertainty and how clear, transparent communication can help people navigate complex issues.  Learn more about Dr. Knuth’s work below: NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/horticultural-science/people/mjknuth/ [https://cals.ncsu.edu/horticultural-science/people/mjknuth/]  Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic: “Journal retracts weed killer study backed by Monsanto, citing ‘serious ethical concerns’”: https://www.science.org/content/article/journal-retracts-weed-killer-study-backed-monsanto-citing-serious-ethical-concerns [https://www.science.org/content/article/journal-retracts-weed-killer-study-backed-monsanto-citing-serious-ethical-concerns]  “Retraction notice to ‘Safety evaluation and risk assessment of the herbicide roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate, for humans’ [Regul. Toxicol. Pharm. 31 (2000) 117-165]”: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230025002387 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230025002387]  Article- “Not your mother’s Roundup”: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/not-your-mothers-roundup [https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/not-your-mothers-roundup]  Environmental Protection Agency- Glyphosate: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate [https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate]  Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues: https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/agphome/documents/Pests_Pesticides/JMPR/2016_JMPR_Summary_Special.pdf [https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/agphome/documents/Pests_Pesticides/JMPR/2016_JMPR_Summary_Special.pdf]  "What to know about the battle over lawsuits alleging that Roundup weedkiller can cause cancer": https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/what-to-know-about-the-battle-over-lawsuits-alleging-that-roundup-weedkiller-can-cause-cancer/article_77f35d43-663e-5141-a97d-a62255203f68.html [https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/what-to-know-about-the-battle-over-lawsuits-alleging-that-roundup-weedkiller-can-cause-cancer/article_77f35d43-663e-5141-a97d-a62255203f68.html]  The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm [https://transistor.fm/?via=music]. Learn how to start a podcast [https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=music] here.

Food Safety 101: How Science Keeps Your Food Safe to Eat

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Shumaker to explore the science behind food safety and the systems that protect our food from farm to fork. Dr. Shumaker breaks down what food safety really means from a scientific perspective, how research informs cooking temperatures and storage guidelines, and why simple tools like food thermometers and refrigerator thermometers matter more than we think. We dive into common consumer risks at home and unpack which food safety fears are grounded in science and which are often overstated. Dr. Shumaker also shares insights behind regulations like the FDA Food Code, the role of food safety culture in businesses, and how effective risk communication during recalls and outbreaks helps maintain public trust. Tune in to hear why culture matters just as much as protocols, how to confidently handle leftovers, and why seeing a recall in the news can actually be a sign that the system is working as intended.  Learn more about Dr. Shumaker’s work below: NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/ellen-shumaker/ [https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/ellen-shumaker/]  Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic: NC State’s Safe Plates: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/safe-plates-5/ [https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/safe-plates-5/]  NC State’s Safe Plates Food Safety Information Center: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/safe-plates-food-safety-information-center/ [https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/safe-plates-food-safety-information-center/]  Food Safety: https://www.foodsafety.gov/ [https://www.foodsafety.gov/]  Risky or Not Podcast: https://www.riskyornot.co/ [https://www.riskyornot.co/]  The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm [https://transistor.fm/?via=music]. Learn how to start a podcast [https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=music] here.