The Latin American Studies Program hosted a full-house event on April 30 to celebrate the launch of México Between Feast and Famine: Food, Corporate Power, and Inequality, the latest book by Dr. Enrique C. Ochoa, Professor of Latin American Studies and History at Cal State LA.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Dean René Vellanoweth, followed by an in-depth presentation by Dr. Ochoa, who explored the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of Mexico’s food system. His talk addressed how corporations such as Bimbo, GRUMA, and Walmex have shaped food access, public health, and inequality under neoliberalism.
Following Dr. Ochoa’s talk, Dr. Eileen Ford (Cal State LA), Dr. Oscar Márquez (Pomona College), Dr. Richard T. Rodríguez (UC Riverside) and Dr. Claudia Serrato (University of Washington) each took the stage to share their reflections on the book. They engaged with specific passages and themes, offering unique perspectives that deepened the evening’s conversation.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, giving audience membersa chance to engage directly with the speakers.
Sponsored by the Latin American Studies Program, currently celebrating its 65th anniversary, the evening highlighted the program’s legacy of critical inquiry and community connection.
Dive deeper into the conversation by listening to Dr. Ochoa’s interview on the New Books Network podcast, hosted by Dr. Miranda Melcher.
In the episode, Dr. Ochoa unpacks the historical and contemporary forces behind Mexico’s food system, offering critical insight into how we can envision a more just and sustainable future. Listen Here