Food Forward

Watch Food Forward

  • 2012
  • 1 Season

Food Forward is a fresh and insightful PBS television show that features engaging stories of people transforming the way we grow, produce, and consume food. This show is not just about cuisine, but about the larger food system that connects our health, environment, and social justice. The series showcases how modern-day agriculture can be reimagined and redefined for the 21st century to ensure a healthy and sustainable future.

Each episode of Food Forward takes viewers on a journey across the United States, highlighting various stories of pioneers, visionaries, and food rebels who explore alternative ways of producing and consuming food. The show covers a wide range of topics, from urban farming to edible schoolyards, from sustainable seafood to food waste, from artisanal foods to farm-to-table restaurants.

In the first episode, 'Urban Agriculture Across America,' viewers witness the growth of urban gardens and farms in cities across America. From New York City's largest rooftop farm to an underground farm in a former bomb shelter, viewers learn about innovative and sustainable food practices that are transforming cities.

In another episode, 'The Meat of the Matter,' the show explores the challenges facing the meat industry, including the environmental impact of industrial agriculture, the ethics of factory farming, and the health concerns associated with consuming too much meat. The episode features ranchers and farmers who are committed to sustainable, humanely-raised meat, such as grass-fed beef, and the demand for these products in the marketplace is increasing as consumers become more aware of the impact of their food choices.

One of the most powerful themes throughout the entire series is the intersection of food and social justice. For example, the episode 'Justice' tells the stories of food activists who work to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, affordable food, regardless of their income or ethnicity. Viewers meet farmers who focus on food justice by growing fruit and vegetables on unused land in low-income areas, and meet community health advocates, who are championing for citywide food policies that prioritize healthy food options in underserved communities.

Another notable episode is 'The Future of Fish,' which delves into the growing problem of unsustainable fishing practices due to overfishing and climate change. The episode features a group of seafood entrepreneurs who are seeking to promote sustainable fishing practices and make the seafood industry more transparent.

Overall, Food Forward is a must-watch show for anyone interested in the future of food in America. The show shines a light on pressing issues facing our food system while showcasing innovative and inspiring solutions that are developing that will help to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all of us.

Food Forward is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (14 episodes). The series first aired on April 5, 2012.

Food Forward
Filter by Source

Seasons
The U.S. of Agriculture
13. The U.S. of Agriculture
October 11, 2014
From the Founding Farmers to the modern Farm Bill, what has 200 years of progress brought to the table? More food at lower prices for sure, but also food fights over the environment, hunger, nutrition, and waste. In this closing episode of Food Forward, politicians, policy watchdogs and food experts take us on a personal tour through the history of food and agriculture in America.
Wild Food, I Think I Love You
12. Wild Food, I Think I Love You
October 10, 2014
Once upon a time, wild food was all there was. If you didn't pick it, catch it, or kill it, you didn't eat. That's all changed, of course, but what have we lost in our move from the wilderness that once supported us? And what could we gain by rediscovering foraging as a source of food? Food Forward heads deep into America's backwoods joining mushroom pickers on Washington's Olympic peninsula, charitable deer hunters in North Carolina and roadkill-eating hillbillies in West Virginia.
Food on the Brain
11. Food on the Brain
October 3, 2014
In this episode, Food Forward explores the disconnect between the belly and the brain and America's national eating disorder. A journey to Cornell's Food and Brand Lab unveils the psychology of consumer habits and introduces viewers to simple tips and tricks for a healthier diet and researchers in Boulder, CO are mapping the human microbiome with amazing results.
Make Food, Not Waste
10. Make Food, Not Waste
October 3, 2014
Americans throw away 34 million tons of food each year. That's like tossing a quarter of the groceries we buy directly into the trash. But where some see garbage, others find green gold. FOOD FORWARD explores the secret life of food scraps, landfills and the people who love them. San Francisco is leading the charge in composting municipal food waste, a food bank is rescuing confiscated food from the Arizona/Mexico border patrol and a Brooklyn bucket lady collects food scraps kitchen by kitchen.
Quest for Water
9. Quest for Water
September 26, 2014
How can agriculture use less water and still grow enough food for everyone? Are we finally emerging from the water wars of the west that pitted Native American tribes and environmentalists against farmers and ranchers? FOOD FORWARD dives into solutions that some water users are discovering to protect this most precious resource in the face of drought, politics and environmental conflicts.
Food (Justice)for All
8. Food (Justice)for All
September 26, 2014
All across the country, the ways and means of America's small farmers are evolving. Young Hispanic farm laborers in California's Salinas Valley are moving up the economic ladder, training to become tomorrow's organic farm owners. In Houston, Congolese refugees are creating communities around vacant urban lots. And in nearby Dallas, a struggling college commits an unthinkable act of football heresy, plowing their gridiron into a garden and transforming a social need into a delicious educational opportunity.
The Future of Food
7. The Future of Food
September 19, 2014
A new breed of passionate farmers, chefs and hackers is revamping the American food system. Combining people's passions and technological ingenuity, FOOD FORWARD explores a host of solutions, including tech savvy growers flying crop-monitoring drones and one of the nation's most prestigious culinary schools, which is helping one veteran find a new calling.
School Lunch Revival
6. School Lunch Revival
September 19, 2014
Affordable school lunches don't necessarily mean healthy school lunches.
Modern Milk
5. Modern Milk
September 12, 2014
American dairy is undergoing a renaissance.
SOS: Save Our Soil
4. SOS: Save Our Soil
September 12, 2014
The top six inches of soil are the most precious, yet least understood ecosystem on earth.
Seeds of Change
3. Seeds of Change
September 5, 2014
Seeds represent hope, a new beginning. Explore the battle over GMOs.
The Meat of the Matter
2. The Meat of the Matter
September 5, 2014
Cheap meat is actually quite costly, taking its toll on America?s health and environment.
Go Fish!
1. Go Fish!
August 29, 2014
By mid-century, 90 percent of the world?s commercial fish may be tapped out.
Urban Farming
0. Urban Farming
April 5, 2012
Meet the food rebels who are growing food right where we live: In cities.
Description
Where to Watch Food Forward
Food Forward is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Food Forward on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Apple TV and PBS.
  • Premiere Date
    April 5, 2012