Faith and Food in Italy: A Theology of Food 300 at the FAO
What does it mean to view food not just as nourishment, but as a reflection of God’s provision, justice, and creativity? That’s the question at the heart of Theology of Food 300, a unique and flavorful course offered through the L&LI Rome semester program.
In this course, student take their studies beyond the classroom walls and into the field. One excursion the class takes is to one of the most influential organizations shaping global food policy, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The FAO, headquartered in Rome, works to achieve food security for all, ensuring people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
A Visit that Brings Theology to the Table
For students exploring the theology of food, visiting FAO puts their learning into perspective. They’ve read about and discussed community around food, stewardship of creation, and God’s heart for the hungry. Standing in the FAO’s conference halls, those ideas become real. The class learns firsthand about efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition worldwide, hearing from experts who are tackling issues like sustainable agriculture, food distribution, and climate change.
Students often share that this experience helps connect their faith to something global; they also often say that it's one of their favorite experiences during their studies in Rome!
Connecting Faith, Justice, and Daily Bread
In class, students explore where scripture teaches us about feeding others and discuss how this is a form of worship and justice. They questions like how faith communities can play a role in promoting food equity and sustainability. And, both in discussion and practice, they dive into how something as simple as sharing a meal can become a sacred act. Each class ends with a real tasting of some of the seasonal wonders that Italy has to offer.
A Taste of Italy’s Culinary Theology
Beyond their visit to the FAO, Theology of Food students also explore Italian culinary traditions firsthand. From the slow food movement to sharing meals in local trattorias, and the pace of morning coffees and evening meals, Italy is rich with unique traditions around food and meals.
In this course, students discover that theology isn’t confined to textbooks, but it’s alive in the shuffle of morning (and afternoon) espresso, the conversations shared over the making and enjoying of Italian pasta, and all that can happen around the table as we have the opportunity to become "reformed foodies", as professor and pastor Clay Kannard puts it.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
This excursion embodies what makes Living & Learning International’s programs so transformative: faith and academics woven together through experiential learning. Whether visiting a global organization, a centuries-old church, or a family-run kitchen, students are invited to see how their faith informs every aspect of life, even what’s on their plate.
If you'd like to learn beyond the classroom like this, apply for a semester in Rome at www.landli.org/register