Model USDA Scenario A
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Scenario A: Healthy and sustainable Dietary Guidelines for Americans
To get ready for your experience as a student in Model USDA, please familiarize yourself with the resources found on this page.
Start with this document, as it includes important background information and deadlines to complete prior to Model USDA!
Explore this document to see the stakeholder role you’ve been assigned and learn more about the organization, role, priorities, and concerns with the issue at-hand. How would you approach these challenges from your own perspective?
Learn more about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans with the resources linked below.
During Model USDA, your workgroup will use this template to finalize a recommendation. Can’t remember what group you’re in? Check here.
Hear from an expert
Determining if environmental sustainability should be incorporated into the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) has long been a point of debate. Watch this video to hear Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, share her valuable perspective on the importance of the DGAs.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find out my stakeholder role?
Access the Roles document to see which stakeholder role you’ve been assigned by searching for your name. Then, scroll down to find their background.
What am I supposed to do as a stakeholder?
Review the job responsibilities and priorities of this role, and then approach the role as if you held that position. We have included the background of a real-life individual who holds (or recently held) that position to give you some understanding of the type of person who might find themselves in that role. You are not meant to act as them or impersonate them, but use that information to see how they develop their beliefs and priorities. Do they come from a business or tech background? Are they lifelong public officials? Is this a role that is struggling under a tight budget and needs to keep a close eye on expenses? Would they rather make small policy changes that might open opportunities for future generations, or do they need to answer to a board every financial quarter?
Do I have to read about every role?
No! You only need to read your own. Feel free to skim others, but there is no need to review any but your own.
What if I have a different opinion than my assigned stakeholder?
You probably will find at least a few areas where you disagree with the real-life stakeholder, and that is OK! What would you do differently in that role? If the real-life stakeholder is focused on cattle ranching, it wouldn’t make sense for you to have them divest and turn to hydroponic lettuce. But perhaps your personal view is to stay ahead of changing consumer trends and expand into pasture-raised, regenerative ranching. Look in the news; is there new technology coming out that might advance, update, or even revolutionize your industry? Are there other stakeholders that you could partner with on shared goals?
What’s the purpose of these backgrounds?
Each background:
– Profiles a person who currently or recently held this role. You may see yourself in this position someday!
– Describes issue areas/concerns your stakeholder may have
– Suggests tools and tactics to use to advance your perspective
– Lists stakeholders who you may want to meet in the breakout rooms
Am I expected to do any research beyond what’s included here?
We recommend spending another 1 to 2 hours conducting your own research. This will make you better prepared to complete all required pre-simulation assignments and fully participate in the simulation itself.
What are these “tools and tactics” I keep reading about in the Scenario Brief and Roles?
These refer to actions that may be taken during the simulation to influence others to embrace your assigned stakeholder’s perspective. We’ve suggested some tools and tactics that may be of interest to you, but please expand upon this list with your own research, creativity, and strategic thinking!
We would like to extend our thanks to Elizabeth Reilly, MS in sustainable food systems graduate, for her invaluable contributions in developing Scenario A and the overall framework for Model USDA.