Policy sets the framework for the Future of Food. And after an unprecedented week in American politics, it behooves us to re-examine how this new era will impact our food system.
It was an unfortunate reality that food issues received little to no discussion over the 18+ month election. But with so much radical change happening in Washington, we in the food community must remain vigilant to the issues that will help us build a more equitable and sustainable food system.
We must stay awake and arm ourselves with information, carry on a vibrant discourse, and ensure our elected officials support food policy that is not just good for business, but good for our health and environment.
Here’s a round-up of some of the biggest policy issues and how they may be impacted in our new presidential administration. Read, question, and act.
General Policy
- How Donald Trump's Presidency Will Affect Your Food
“President-elect Trump's plans outline for the future of your food.”
[How Donald Trump’s Presidency Will Affect Your Food]
- Election 2016 Results: Food-Related Ballots
Here’s how America voted on minimum wage, soda taxes, and more.
[Election 2016 Results: Food-Related Ballots - Eater]
- The ballot B-sides
Six ballot measures that got less air time on Tuesday
[The ballot B-sides | New Food Economy]
- What will a Trump presidency mean for the US food & beverage industry?
“Could the Trump victory create a liberalized, more business-friendly environment, or does it spell bad news for trade, the environment and food safety?”
[What will a Trump presidency mean for the US food & beverage industry?]
Agriculture
- 7 Ways Trump and Congress Will Shake Up Agriculture Policy
Trump, during his first two years in the White House, will face the task of making good on commitments he made to the voters who put him in office, especially residents of rural America.
[7 Ways Trump and Congress Will Shake Up Agriculture Policy - News | Agweb.com]
Restaurants
- Where Trump stands on restaurant-industry issues
Policy experts break down ballot initiatives and the president elect’s policy outlook.
[Where Trump stands on restaurant-industry issues]
- Food and Restaurant Industry Split About Donald Trump Presidency
Restaurant group expects looser regulations; packaged food companies worry about trade.
[Food and Restaurant Industry Split About Donald Trump Presidency - WSJ]
- Restaurant industry divided over Trump’s proposed policies
Now that Trump is set to become the 45th president, some in the restaurant industry he used to help win votes may actually suffer as a result of his proposed policies.
[Restaurant industry divided over Trump’s proposed policies | Fox News]
Regulation
- A Big Blow for Big Soda
The newly passed soda taxes in California and Colorado are a public health bright spot.
[A Big Blow for Big Soda | Civil Eats]
- Election 2016: Will Donald Trump deregulate the FDA?
The Republican has made bold policy statements that would have an sweeping impact on the industry.
[Election 2016: Will Donald Trump deregulate the FDA? | Food Dive]
School Lunch
- How Hungry Kids Will Fare Under Trump
President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress will likely walk back most of the progress made on school food and nutrition programs in recent years.
[How Hungry Kids Will Fare Under Trump | Civil Eats]
The Trump Administration
- Donald Trump Is Picking His Cabinet
Here’s a Short List
[Donald Trump Is Picking His Cabinet: Here’s a Short List - The New York Times]
- Trump’s Head Food Guy Delivers for Little Caesars on the Side
It’s like Michael Torrey was sent from central casting.
[Trump’s Head Food Guy Delivers for Little Caesars on the Side | Mother Jones]
- Let Them Eat Cake
As he prepares to take power, Donald Trump’s point man for food issues is a veteran Big Soda lobbyist
[Election 2016: Donald Trump’s transition point man for food issues is veteran Big Soda lobbyist Michael K. Torrey — Quartz]