Shared experiences draw people together. That is why we continued the One Book, One Community (OBOC) program for a fifth year. Everyone in the school was invited to join together in reading and discussing
Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss.
About the Book
In
Salt, Sugar, Fat, Pulitzer-Prize winning investigative reporter Michael Moss shows how we got here – to the age of processed food and the emerging obesity epidemic. Featuring examples from some of the most recognizable (and profitable) companies and brands of the last half-century – including Kraft, Coca Cola, Lunchables, Kellogg, Nestle, Oreos, Cargill, Capri Sun, and many more – Moss’ explosive, empowering narrative is grounded in meticulous, often eye-opening research.
2013 Main Event
Michael Moss, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of
Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us was the 2013 recipient of the prestigious the Porter Prize. The Porter Prize is awarded in recognition of an individual’s exceptional performance in health promotion and disease prevention. The April 8 ceremony included opening remarks from Donald S. Burke, dean, Pitt Public Health and Lee B. Foster II, chair, L.B. Foster Company, a keynote presentation by Michael Moss, and a panel discussion entitled "Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Combatting Obesity” which was moderated by Patricia Siger, United Way of Allegheny County. The event was followed by a reception in the William Pitt Union Assembly Room.
Other Events
OBOC Fall Film | A Place at the Table with post-film discussion led by Ken Regal, Executive Director of Just Harvest
November 22, 2013
Food Day | A nationwide celebration of healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food and a grassroots campaign for better food policies.
October 24, 2013
Michael Moss Pittsburgh Arts & Lecture Series
September 26, 2013
UCIS European Studies Center, European Union Center of Excellence Lecture | The Real Price of Cheap Food
by Ms. Malin Olofsson, Transatlantic Media Fellow & Reporter for Sweden's National Radio Network
September 12, 2013
TEDxManhattan Live Webcast: Changing the Way We Eat
March 1, 2014
Global Health & OBOC Film: King Corn
March 4, 2014
Farm to Table Local Food Conference
March 21-22, 2014
OBOC on Facebook
Check out the One Book, One Community Facebook page which promotes online interactive news feeds, tools, discussions and more. Visit and like the page at: www.facebook.com/PittPubHlthOneBookOneCommunity.
OBOC Bulletin Board
This was the third year of a school bulletin board on topics surrounding the One Book, One Community book. Displays changed every six to eight weeks throughout the academic year. The bulletin board display was outside of room A115.
If you have an idea for a bulletin board concept, contact Robin Leaf.
Suggested Reading List
The Pitt Public Health One Book, One Community program entered its fifth year fall term of 2013. Each year numerous book titles are considered and nominated by students, faculty, and staff. Multiple books are then read by faculty and staff to select the one book that will encompass the year's theme for the program. This process inherently leaves a number of worthy good books left on the bookshelf. Below is a selection of a few of them selected by the Pitt Public Health faculty for your reading enjoyment.
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollen
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
- The Wisdom of Whores by Elizabeth Pisani
- The Band Played On by Randy Shiltz
- Miss Evers’ Boys by David Feldshuh
In the News
"Rethinking Our 'Rights' to Dangerous Behaviors" | February 2014 | The New York Times
"Salt, Sugar, and Fat or Branding, Marketing and Promotion?" | October 2013 | The Lancet
"The Food Addiction" | September 2013 | Scientific American
"Sugar" | August 2013 | National Geographic
"How Junk Food Can End Obesity" | July/August 2013 | The Atlantic
"Lack of Produce Drives Mobile Grocery Project" | August 2, 2013 | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Food Corporations Turn to Chefs in a Quest for Healthy Flavor" | July 24, 2013 | The New York Times
"Shelves Stocked for Twinkies' 'Sweetest Comback' " | July 15, 2013 | ABC News
"Why Healthy Eaters Fall for the Fries" | June 29, 2013 | The New York Times
Resources
Farm to Table Pittsburgh
Farmers Markets in Pittsburgh and the Surrounding Area
Food Revolution Day pioneered by Jamie Oliver
Food Revolution the TV Show with Jamie Oliver
Grow Pittsburgh
Michael Moss' Web page
Michael Moss interview on CNBC
TED talk: How Can You Give a Community Better Health | Ron Finley
If you have any questions, please contact
Robin Leaf, educational programs coordinator, 412-648-5984.