"King Corn" Screenings in Spokane

Wed., January 23*, 2008, 11:30 a.m. at the SCC Auditorium   » Poster (PDF)

Wed., January 23*, 2008, 7:00 p.m. and
Thu., January 24, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at the Magic Lantern Theater   » Poster (PDF)

"King Corn" - The Movie

Your Corn IQ

How much do you really know about corn? Are you eating foods that have corn in them? Is ethanol really all it is cracked up to be?

Use this Corn IQ Test to educate yourself and your students about corn. Print out as many copies as you need!

» Corn IQ Test (PDF)

Corny Links

@grass-roots.org - "Telling the stories of the nation's most innovative grassroots programs," @GRASS-ROOTS.ORG focuses on community improvement orchestrated by ordinary citizens. The accounts of these acts of voluntarism are organized geographically, breaking the continental U.S. into six regions: the Northeast, the South, the 'Rustbelt,' the Great Plains, the Rockies, and the Far West. Created by journalist Robin Garr, author of Reinvesting In America, the site contains many links to national and worldwide organizations dedicated to improving communities through innovation, empowerment, and fostering self-reliance. *

AgNIC: The Agriculture Network Information Center - "A voluntary alliance and partnership of nearly 60 member institutions and organizations working to offer...reliable access to quality agricultural information." The site contains a database of annotated links to agricultural, environmental, and food-related resources; a calendar of events; related scientific news; and discussion groups. AgNIC is supported in part by the USDA's National Agricultural Library (NAL). *

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) - The AFSIC "specializes in identifying resources about sustainable food systems and practices" by listing links to relevant sites. Searchable, or browse by topics such as sustainability, alternative plants and crops, farm energy options, grazing systems, organic production, ecological pest management, and soil and water management. Also includes related publications and a directory with links to searchable databases that pertain to sustainable/alternative agriculture. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Library. *

America the Bountiful: Classic American Food from Antiquity to the Space Age - This exhibit chronicles the use of classic "food groups including: beef, chicken, turkey, pork, potatoes, corn, greens, wheat, beans, and apples" that have played a role in American culture. Features photographs, advertisements, images of publications, and other ephemera. Also contains facts about the origins of various American foods, and the relationship of corresponding events in American history. From the University of California, Davis. *

Avoiding Corn in Canada - "This page is intended to be a convenient source and summary of information about corn-derived products for the use of people with known or suspected corn sensitivity." Features examples of corn ingredients in food, alcoholic beverages, medications, and other products. Most brands and regulations are specific to Canada, but the author (a botany researcher) also provides travel tips for Europe and many examples relevant in the U.S. Also in French. *

Backgrounder: Keystone Forum on Away-From-Home Foods: Opportunities for Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity Report - Recommendations to the food industries for "improving consumers' ability to manage calorie intake from foods prepared and purchased away-from-home." Discusses menu design, cooking techniques, portion size, providing nutritional information to customers, and other concepts. Includes the full report, a backgrounder, FAQ, and an audio of a press briefing. Report prepared by the Keystone Forum for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). *

The Big Mac Index - "[The] Big Mac index is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity, under which exchange rates should adjust to equalise the cost of a basket of goods and services. ... Our basket is the Big Mac" (a hamburger produced by the fast-food chain, McDonald's). Includes comparisons of recent international Big Mac prices, a "Coca-Cola map of the world," and articles about McDonald's and fast food. From The Economist. *

Census of Agriculture - - "The only source of uniform, comprehensive data on agricultural production and operator characteristics for each county, state, and the Nation." Includes maps on many agricultural themes, statistics by congressional district, and a database of crops and livestock. The census is conducted in years ending in 2 and 7; the site provides the current and the two previous reports. Searchable. From the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). *

Climate Indices for the Economy - A site created "to enhance the understanding of weather and climate's effects on socioeconomic sectors of the United States....The Crop Moisture Stress Index reflects the influence of severe drought and catastrophic wetness on annual crop yield for corn and soybean crops, and the Residential Energy Demand Temperature Index provides quantitative information on the impact of seasonal temperatures on residential energy demand." Provides charts and explanations of data for varying periods, some back to 1900. *

Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC) - The CFSC is "a North American organization of social and economic justice, environmental, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, community development, labor, anti-poverty, anti-hunger, and other groups." Its Web site features material about programs and advocacy efforts (such as the farm to school program about obesity and the 2007 Farm Bill), and publications on topics such as the health benefits of urban agriculture and community food security in California. (Some publications only available for a fee.) *

Corn Maze Geography: Teaching Geography Using Corn Mazes - This document features "lessons for teaching geography through the concept of corn mazes," which are "paths cut or plowed in a field of corn (maize) so that the paths form a pattern when viewed from overhead." Lesson topics include navigation, maps, global positioning systems (GPS), aerial photographs, and other geography concepts. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Rocky Mountain Mapping Center. *

Corn Refiners Association - The Web site for this trade organization representing the corn refining industry provides descriptions of the process of refining corn into corn sweeteners (corn syrup, dextrose, high-fructose corn syrup), ethanol, bioproducts (such as packing peanuts), corn starches and dextrins, corn oil, and feed products. Features industry history, descriptions of the refining processes, publications, and related materials. *

EBAMM: ERG Biofuel Analysis Meta-Model - This site links to a study weighing the pros and cons of ethanol, and provides the model used to produce the study. The study compares the reduced reliance on foreign oil predicted to be associated with the use of ethanol with assertions that more energy is expended in growing corn than is generated by burning ethanol. From the University of California, Berkeley. *

Economic Research Service Briefing Room: Sugar and Sweeteners - Features economic data and reports on the U.S. sugar and sweetener industry, covering production, consumption, and trade. Includes the Sugar and Sweeteners Yearbook, Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook, U.S. Corn Sweetener Statistical Compendium, World Sugar Policy Review, and related publications. Searchable. From the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). *

ethanol.org - Facts from a national industry association about ethanol, "a clean-burning, high-octane fuel that is produced from renewable sources. At its most basic, ethanol is grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn." Describes how ethanol is made (dry mill and wet mill) and explains types of ethanol vehicle fuels. Other features include fact sheets, a state-by-state guide to ethanol production and use, and much more. From the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE). *

Farm Subsidy Database - This database tracks subsidy payments to farmers in the United States. Track analysis of subsidies for major commodity crops such as corn, wheat, cotton, rice and soybean, as well as conservation payments and disaster assistance. Search by county, city, state, zip code, congressional district, and recipient's personal and business names. Browse by many access points, including top recipients, "unlikely recipients," and farm subsidies in major U.S. cities. From the Environmental Working Group. *

Fast Food and Animal Rights: McDonald's New Farm - "Activists have been warning for decades that farms and slaughterhouses mistreat animals, and for almost as long, farmers and food industry executives have scoffed. But over the past two years, an unlikely corporation — McDonald's — has taken the lead in the campaign for animal welfare." This companion to an American RadioWorks program features transcripts and audio clips, slideshows on the egg and cattle industries, examples of slaughterhouse inspection results, and a McDonald's hen inspection form. *

Hazardous Waste Sites in Minnesota: Gopher State Ethanol - "This Web site provides general information about public health issues related to the Gopher State Ethanol plant in St. Paul," which was in operation from 2000-2004. Emissions from ethanol production include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulates, and unpleasant odors. Includes a link to the health assessment. From the Minnesota Department of Health. *

Healthy Fast Food: Healthy Restaurant Eating - Tips for eating healthy fast food meals. Includes discussions of healthy fast food choices (such as grilled chicken or fish sandwiches and salads), least healthy fast foods (condiments and drinks are often a large source of empty calories), fast food suggestions for children, and general guidelines for eating out and staying healthy. Includes links to related material. From Helpguide, a project of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica and Center for Healthy Aging. *

HFCS Facts: The Facts About High Fructose Corn Syrup - Overview of uses and consumer benefits of this "sweetener [that is] made from corn and can be found in numerous foods and beverages on grocery store shelves in the United States." Also includes questions and answers about the comparison of HFCS to other types of sweeteners (such as table sugar), metabolism of HFCS, and material about the consumption of HFCS and obesity. From the Corn Refiners Association. *

High Fructose Corn Syrup - Brief discussion of the claim that "replacement of cane sugar by high fructose corn syrup [HFCS] contributes to obesity because it promotes increases in body fat and increases appetite." The discussion concludes that more research is needed. From the American Dietetic Association, an organization of food and nutrition professionals. *

How Moonshine Works - Describes moonshine, "any kind of alcohol, usually whisky or rum, that is made in secret to avoid high taxes or outright bans on alcoholic drinks." Topics include typical ingredients and how it is made, history of moonshine and moonshiners (people who make the alcohol) and bootleggers (smugglers of moonshine), and more. From How Stuff Works. *

Indivisible: Stories of American Community - This online version of a documentary is an exploration of "how individual Americans are identifying local needs and working together to address them" by "some of this country's most accomplished photographers, radio producers, and folklorists." Includes photographs and audio and transcripts of interviews for each community. Also includes information for documenting change in your own community, an Educator's Guide , a bibliography, and related links. A project of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. *

Introduction to Permaculture: Concepts and Resources - Introduction to this movement that is focused on "designing ecological human habitats and food production systems." Features definitions and characteristics of permaculture, applications (such as gardening, plant and animal agriculture, use of appropriate technology, and land use), principles, and lists of organizations, magazines, books, and Web resources (some broken links). From the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). *

Iowa Corn: Ethanol and Its Co-Products - This site about vehicle fuel made from corn addresses topics such as E85, an alternative fuel produced by blending 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, production statistics, and "facts and myths" about ethanol (vehicle use, jobs, environment, rural economies). Also find material about distillers' grains, a by-product of ethanol production used for livestock feed. Some material available in Spanish. From the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Iowa Corn Growers Association. *

Jolly Time - The Web site for this popcorn brand includes a collection of recipes using popcorn (both regular and microwave), popcorn crafts projects for children (including ideas for Easter, Halloween, and other holidays), sections on popcorn science and history, popping tips, classroom projects, and more. Searchable. *

Journalism Professor Michael Pollan's New Book on the U.S. Food Chain Provides Few Soundbites -- But Much to Chew On - This April 2006 press release describes Michael Pollan's book "The Omnivore's Dilemma," in which "he takes readers to the feedlot, to the farm, and into the woods in search of the origins of our dinner." His book notes "that the bulk of the American diet comes from one plant: corn." Includes links to book excerpts, an interview with the author, and related material. From the University of California, Berkeley. *

KingCorn.org: The Corn Growers' Guidebook - This site aims to "offer a Web-based encyclopedia of knowledge about the production, marketing and usage of corn in North America" by providing links to "major agricultural universities, governmental agencies, corn grower organizations and agricultural industries across Canada and the United States." It also provides links to corn in popular culture such as "art, poetry, songs, legends, recipes, and tourist attractions." From the Purdue University Department of Agronomy. *

NATS: Nutrition Analysis Tools and System - Use this site to analyze the nutrient content of foods, including fast foods and foods by brand name. Features definitions of nutrients, their functions, recommended amounts, and key foods; an energy calculator; and other resources. Note: Site maintained by Circle Group Holdings, maker of Z-Trim, a fat substitute. *

NutritionData - This site provides a searchable database of food composition and nutrition information. Each result includes a nutrition facts panel; a calorie ratio pyramid for carbohydrates, fats, and protein; and detailed information about minerals, vitamins, and other components of the food item. Also includes nutritional data for some fast-food restaurants and other nutrition tools. Information is based primarily on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), supplemented by other sources. *

Obesity in America - Interactive map of the U.S., showing the percentage of obese people in each state for 1985-2004. Also includes related articles such as "Is Your State Overweight?" and "Turning the Tide on America's Obesity Epidemic," and a four-part series about weight loss and fitness. From MSN Health & Fitness. *

Overweight and Obesity - This site provides the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definitions of obesity and its guidelines and recommendations for "finding solutions to the problem of obesity and overweight." Features statistics on obesity trends, links to state-specific information, and sections on the health and economic consequences of obesity. *

opensecrets.org: Lobbying Database - Find data on expenditures of lobbying firms and lobbyists to Congress and other government agencies. Search by lobby firm or lobbyist name, industry (such as defense or agribusiness), issue (budget, trade, and others), or government agency. Data goes back to 1998. From the Center for Responsive Politics, "a non-partisan, non-profit research group ... that tracks money in politics, and its effect on elections and public policy." *

Organic Sweet Corn Production: Horticulture Production Guide - This collection of guidelines for organic production of sweet corn discusses strategies for weed control (especially cover crops), corn varieties that have some resistance to insects such as the corn earworm, post-harvest handling of this highly perishable crop, and marketing and economics. Includes references and related links. From the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. *

Our Vegetable Travelers - The original publication of this article about the origins of vegetables used in the United States appeared in the August 1949 issue of National Geographic magazine. Features information about over 30 vegetables, including carrots, corn, okra, peas, potatoes, tomatoes (also known as "love apples"), and watermelon. From the Texas A&M Horticulture Network. *

RAFT: Renewing America's Food Traditions - Collection of publications that "document, preserve, and celebrate the incredible diversity of America's edible plants, animals, and food traditions." "The RAFT Book" lists endangered foods such the Seminole pumpkin, Marshall strawberry, white abalone, and the American chestnut. Site also includes "Seafood Traditions at Risk in North America," "Guide to Seafood of the Seri Indians," and a map of America's place-based foods. From Slow Food USA. *

Slow Food - 2001 article about the history of the "Slow Food" movement, which is "dedicated to preserving and supporting traditional ways of growing, producing and preparing food," and was "founded in 1986, in direct response to the opening of a McDonald's restaurant in Rome's famous Piazza di Spagna." In "the mid-1990s Slow Food developed a new political dimension, called eco-gastronomy." From The Nation magazine. *

Soft Drinks and Health - Information from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) linking increased consumption of soft drinks by children to obesity. Also includes discussions of osteoporosis, tooth decay, heart disease, and other possible health outcomes from excessive soft drink consumption. Features the report "Liquid Candy: How Soft Drinks are Harming Americans' Health." *

Spokane Farmer's Market - Fresh produce, baked goods, and products from local growers. Spokane Farmers' Market Association is a group of more than 35 farmers in the Spokane area. We join together to operate an independent and self-managed farmers' market in downtown Spokane on 2nd Avenue between Division and Browne. 2008 opening date to be announced. (Information courtesy of Spokane Farmer's Market Association)

Spokane Tilth - Spokane Tilth's mission is to promote biologically sound, socially equitable, sustainable agriculture. The focus of the organization is on illuminating the relationship between farmer and the larger community. (Information courtesy of Spokane Tilth)

Sustainable Agriculture - Newsletter of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), a program created through "grass roots efforts of organizations and individuals concerned about the environmental impacts of agriculture" in California. Features "reports on program activities including workshops, grants information and policy issues. It also includes technical reviews of research, journal articles, reports, and books." Includes issues back to 1988. SAREP is located at the University of California, Davis. *

The Meaning of Food - Companion site to this "documentary series that explores our relationships to food and reveals the connection food has to our identity: personal, cultural, and familial." Features stories on topics such as the slow food movement, comfort foods, an edible schoolyard, family restaurants, gourmet dog food, kosher foods, kitchen gadgets, and food and literature. Includes lessons plans and related links. *

The Story of Corn - This educational site on the history of corn provides a number of classroom activities in history, science, and writing. Also includes links to other Web sites about corn history and science. From a Web site of the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area (in northeast Iowa), National Park Service. *

The Virtual Activist - A guide to using e-mail and the Web as "effective, inexpensive, and efficient tools for organizing, outreach, and advocacy." Topics include preparing e-mail action alerts, distributing newsletters and press releases, membership and fundraising, and more. Includes links to related resources. From NetAction, "a California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting use of the Internet for effective grassroots citizen action campaigns." *

Three Sisters Cookbook - This browsable collection of recipes includes dishes featuring the Iroquois "three sisters": corn, beans, and squash, which are often planted together in the garden. Includes soups, salads, casseroles and other main dishes, breads, and desserts. From the Oneida Indian Nation. *

USDA Economic Research Service: Farm Economy - Publications related to "economic performance for the U.S. agricultural sector and major crops and livestock and their products." Features reports such as "Income, Wealth, and the Economic Well-Being of Farm Households," "Greening Income Support and Supporting Green," and "Growing Farm Size and the Distribution of Farm Payments." Also includes material about specific crops, such as rice, wheat, and corn. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service. *

Washington State University Vegetable Research and Extension - This research center at Washington State University in Vancouver offers a collection of publications on vegetable crops grown in the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include plans for building a hoophouse (portable greenhouse), recipes using Northwest produce (such a cranberries, ligonberries, and baby corn), and publications about edamame, icebox watermelons, wasabi, winter lettuce, and spelt. Also includes annotated links to other vegetable research documents. *

Watch Your Garden Grow: Corn - Information about growing corn in the home garden, including discussion of planting, care, harvesting, pests and diseases, storage, and cooking and preservation. Includes descriptions of yellow, white, and bicolor corn varieties. Also available in Spanish. From the University of Illinois Extension. *

*Record courtesy of Librarians' Internet Index. Generated by searching lii.org. Copyright © 2007, Librarians' Internet Index, LII. All rights reserved.

Corn-riculum Resources:

Library Resources:

Other Links:

*Record courtesy of Librarians' Internet Index. Generated by searching lii.org. Copyright © 2007, Librarians' Internet Index, LII. All rights reserved.

Corn-tacts:

For more information about "King Corn" or the Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities, please get in touch with one of the following contacts:

• Andrea Reid, Co-Director, Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities
  AReid@scc.spokane.edu
  533-7382
• Peter Tobin, Co-Director, Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities
  PTobin@scc.spokane.edu
  533-8892