Eighth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

After spending four months in Ecuador, I examine and compare the intrusion of processed, packaged, and pesticide-laden food into both Quito and the indigenous village of San Clemente. I utilize economic, historical, and cultural analyses from a food sovereignty perspective. In particular, I focus on food sovereignty issues within San Clemente that are caused by historical oppression through colonialism and land grabs; two things that have forced the village to subscribe to capitalism. This has led to the buying and selling of popular brand products, such as Nestlé, being sold by three different stores within the village. This holds strong cultural impacts, especially in regards to the Ecuadorian indigenous movements alive today. In addition, I note the ever-expanding boom in commercial grocery stores in Ecuador’s urban spaces due to the economic fall in 1998. Exploring the cause and effect of the current Ecuadorian food system offers a critical lens into food sovereignty issues across the world.