by Marion Nestle
Nov 10 2020

What should Biden do about food policy?

I have a few suggestions.  Maybe you can think of others?

  • Appoint committed experts to head federal agencies dealing with food issues (especially USDA, FDA, FTC, EPA, CDC).
  • Rehire the experts who quit or were fired during the Trump administration.
  • Bring the Economic Research Service back to Washington DC.
  • Rescind the public charge and work rules that have led to SNAP de-enrollment; restore SNAP outreach.
  • Refocus agricultural supports on food for people (rather than feed for animals or fuel for cars).
  • Promote small- and mid-size agricultural production.
  • Provide incentives for agricultural production that conserves and regenerates natural resources.
  • Insist on fair pay for farm, packing house, restaurant, and grocery workers, and on safe working conditions.
  • Use every means possible to promote diets that reduce the risk of overweight and the diseases for which it increases risk.
  • Create a food agency to coordinate existing policies to develop a food system healthier for people and the planet.

Hey, I can dream.

Anything in this direction will be a big step forward.