'Good food bad food' book cover.

Good Food Bad Food

Good Food Bad Food was produced for a graphic design class at San Francisco State University. I explored the food options in nearby neighbourhoods, the moral judgements that are wrapped up in different sorts of foods and the constraints different communities face in accessing ‘good food’.

Spread showing photo of doughnut sign.
I was interested in a study that found that people were more judgemental and less generous after being exposed to organic foods. How else do our food choices shape us?
Spread showing graphs of positive and negative experiences.
I recorded my positive and negative experiences travelling to different food outlets from my house – an organic farmer’s market versus a corner store. From my location, with the transport options I had available, the closer corner store was a much more pleasant experience.
Photos of empty vegetable stalls and junk food wrappers.
The book mapped ‘food deserts’ — urban areas where there are very limited healthy food options. This was supplemented with photos from the stores around my house in South San Francisco.
Close up of icons showing different sorts of food sources.
A key classified the food options available in different areas, one lens to show the vastly different cultural landscapes of San Francisco’s districts.
Graphic showing that Ocean View has less options and more unhealthy foods than the Mission or Sunset districts.
I compared the healthiness and volume of food options in my neighbourhood (Ocean View) with those nearby.
Close up showing the book's spine.
The handmade binding.