Episode 175: HEAL Food Alliance Takes On The Farm Bill
Apr 11, 2024
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The podcast discusses the HEAL Food Alliance's efforts to transform the US food and farm systems through collective action and policy influence. Topics include advocating for labor rights, BIPOC support, sustainable agriculture, and ethical procurement practices within the Farm Bill. The urgency of addressing farm decline and supporting ethical food purchasing standards is also highlighted.
HEAL Food Alliance focuses on transforming the food system for sustainability and equity.
Advocacy efforts target the Farm Bill for labor inclusion, BIPOC support, and environmental sustainability.
Deep dives
Heal Food Alliance's Mission and Collective Power
Heal Food Alliance, a coalition of 43 organizations, focuses on Health, Environment, Agriculture, and Labor aspects of the food system. By organizing campaigns and building relationships, they aim to transform the food and farm systems, advocating for a more sustainable and equitable food system. The organization stands out as a leading advocate for BIPOC and working-class representation in the food industry advocacy, collaborating with other prominent alliances like the National Black Food and Justice Alliance and the Food Workers Alliance.
Priorities in the Farm Bill Campaign
The Farm Bill, a significant piece of legislation shaping food and farm policy in the US, is a target for Heal Food Alliance's advocacy efforts. With a focus on labor inclusion, support for BIPOC producers, access to nourishing food, community control, and environmental considerations, the organization drives for policy changes in the Farm Bill. Emphasizing the need to address labor challenges and ensure climate-conscious practices within the bill, Heal Food Alliance advocates for a more inclusive and environmentally sustainable approach.
Influence of Good Food Purchasing Standards Campaign
Heal Food Alliance's involvement in the Good Food Purchasing Standards campaign aligns with their commitment to supporting values-based practices in food procurement. By pushing for federal and government procurement to prioritize ethical and sustainable practices over supporting bad actors, they anticipate significant shifts in supporting BIPOC producers and environmentally conscious growers. The campaign aims to drive corporations towards more responsible practices or create space for smaller, ethical operations to flourish by applying pressure at local, state, and federal levels.