Bestselling author Michael Pollan, a vocal advocate for change in America’s food systems, is spending the day at UVM, visiting classes and speaking with faculty and students. Pollan's book Cooked was required reading for this year's incoming first-year students as part of the Summer Reads Program.

He culminates his visit to campus with this Q&A, moderated by Amy Trubek, UVM associate professor of nutrition and food science and director of the food systems graduate program.

Watch live (beginning at 5:30 p.m.):

Learn more about food systems programs and research at UVM:

• UVM's Food Systems Initiative is a community of university professionals, researchers, students and local partners who generate, teach, and apply new knowledge while contributing to the present and future viability of small scale, regional food systems.

• UVM's graduate program in food systems examines the breadth and complexity of key issues in our contemporary food system.

• For undergraduate students, a minor in food systems explores issues related to food production, processing, distribution and consumption.

• In 2012, UVM joined the Real Food Challenge, a commitment to 20 percent "real food" by 2020, solidifying the institution’s support for the development of a sustainable, local, fair and humane food system.

• Stay up to date on food systems news and research via the UVM Food Feed blog.

• Learn about UVM's Farmer Training Program in this UVM Today article, "New Farmers, New Futures."

• Read this Vermont Quarterly article, "20 Ways to Grow, Think About and Eat Food," on the interdisciplinary work being done by UVM faculty, students and alumni on food issues.