Episode 15: Small Planet Institute Frances Moore Lappé - What Is The Diet For A Small Planet?

Frances Moore Lappé is the co-founder of the Small Planet Institute, which she founded with her daughter, Anna Lappé.

Frances Moore Lappé is the author or co-author of 20 books, many focusing on themes of "living democracy"—suggesting not only a government accountable to citizens but a way of living aligned with the deep human need for connection, meaning, and power. She has received 20 honorary doctorates from distinguished institutions across the country, mostly recently Indiana University in 2021. Her first book, the 1971 Diet for a Small Planet, has sold over three million copies. Its 50th- anniversary edition was released in 2021 with features in The New York Times, Boston Globe, and other major outlets. In 2019, The New York Times Magazine interview with Frances began: "Frances Moore Lappé changed how we eat. She wants to do the same for our democracy." Her most recent publication, Crisis of Trust: How Can Democracies Protect Against Dangerous Lies (2023), dives into the roots of the American disinformation crisis and shares lessons from democracies leading the fight to combat harmful lies and promote truth. Today, we will be focusing on her incredible work on food and the environment.

The Small Planet Institute spreads an empowering understanding of democracy as the wide dispersion of power, transparency in public affairs, and a culture of mutual accountability. Frances and Anna call it Living Democracy, as it enables each of us to act effectively on emerging solutions from electoral politics and economic life to the environment, hunger, agriculture, and beyond. The Small Planet Institute's vision is a future where all communities are thriving with dignity as Living Democracies, fulfilling our essential needs for personal power, meaning, and connection.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 2:30 – Introduction

2:30 – 4:49 – What is The Small Planet Institute and what type of work does it do?

4:49 – 10:00 – What sparked your interest in the connection between diet, health, and the environment?

10:00 – 13:14 – Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States, rightfully asserts that you are a forerunner. What do you think enabled you to see these critical connections before these ideas became mainstream?

13:14 – 14:40 – What are some of the key themes and ideas in Diet For A Small Planet?

14:40 – 16:33 – What would A Diet For A Small Planet look like?

16:33 – 19:23 – It's been over fifty years since you published Diet For A Small Planet. What are things that have changed for the best since you wrote it, and what areas do people still need to do work?

19:23 – 24:17 – What are some of your other books you have written about food, health, and our environment, and which one is your favorite and why?

24:17 – 27:10 – You recently wrote a book called It's Not Too Late about climate. How should people reframe the climate crisis to help them stay motivated and engaged in creating positive change?

27:10 – 30:01 – What are some of the dangers of GMOs and what can people do to make sure that transparency is maintained in our food system?

30:01 – 34:05 – How can people shift towards a diet that is less focused on processed foods?

34:05 – 36:22 – Can you share more about the outreach and education work the Small Planet Institute is currently doing?

36:22 – 39:39 – Could you share more about Hidden Hope?

36:39 – 43:26 – What are some ways you think everyday people can help shape our food system?

43:26 – 46:56 – What do you feel are some of the most important moments in your career?

46:56 – 47:53 – Things to share and wrap up

SMALL PLANET INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Small Planet Institute: https://www.smallplanet.org/

RESOURCES

Books by Frances Moore Lappé: https://www.smallplanet.org/books

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Small Planet Institute

Diet For A Small Planet

Plant-Centered