What is Dinner 2040?

Dinner 2040 began in October 2014, when humanities scholars partnered with members from the community in a charrette-style process to envision the future of food in Phoenix, Arizona in 2040 asking, "What should be on our dinner plates in 2040?"

The original meal plan took a holistic approach, incorporating scientific, historical, cultural, and place-based practices that considered the environmental integrity of the Southwest United States, honored its culinary traditions and innovations, ensured health for future foods, and promoted food justice and food sovereignty.

Why 2040?

Our modern food system picked up steam about 25 years ago (consolidation, GMOs, Big AGI, our global food system, subsidizing commodity foods, etc.) and is responsible for what is on our plates today. If we start planning now we could be in a totally different place in the next 25 years, which is also a length of time we can realistically imagine in our lifetime.

Today, Dinner 2040 has evolved into a movement, where we can continue to address food challenges within the frame of our five guiding values. Stay tuned for more events and ways to participate.