Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, formerly the superintendent of Denver Public Schools, shares his passion for food rights and nutrition advocacy. He discusses the critical links between food access and childhood poverty, highlighting the role of policies like the child tax credit. Bennet also reflects on his emotional journey of rediscovering cooking during the pandemic and emphasizes the joy and connection that come from home-cooked meals, all while encouraging hope in the face of challenges to democracy.
Senator Michael Bennet's experiences in Denver Public Schools motivate his advocacy for improved food access and systemic changes against poverty.
The conversation around the Farm Bill highlights the need for innovative solutions to balance SNAP support with sustainable agricultural practices.
Deep dives
The Historical Connection of Vanilla and Chocolate
Vanilla and chocolate have ancient ties, originating from Mexico where the Aztecs used vanilla to enhance bitter cacao drinks. Despite their widespread popularity today, the production of these flavors often exploits smallholder farmers in the global south, creating significant social and environmental challenges. These practices raise pressing questions about how to enjoy these beloved flavors while advocating for ethical production methods. A conversation around accountability for large companies and alternative, sustainable production practices is essential.
Senator Michael Bennett’s Commitment to Food Access
Senator Michael Bennett’s background as the superintendent of Denver Public Schools significantly shaped his advocacy for food access and hunger alleviation initiatives. His experiences with children living in poverty influenced his efforts to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Child Tax Credit, which notably reduced hunger during its temporary implementation. Bennett argues that poverty and food insecurity are not acceptable in the wealthiest nation, and emphasizes the need for systemic changes to create economic mobility for all families. His commitment to improving childhood nutrition reflects a broader goal of addressing systemic inequalities.
Navigating the Farm Bill's Complexities
The Farm Bill represents a contentious area of debate, balancing the interests of SNAP support with the challenges posed by subsidies for large agricultural producers. Progressives seek to expand SNAP while facing pushback that threatens these vital assistance programs. Bennett discusses the need for innovative solutions within the Farm Bill that address climate change and sustainable agriculture. He emphasizes a coalition approach, aiming to protect SNAP while reforming aspects of the bill that can harm American agriculture.
Hope, Change, and the Role of Personal Experience
Bennett stresses the importance of personal experiences in shaping political advocacy, noting that understanding the real challenges faced by constituents is crucial for effective policy-making. He highlights that many senators lack direct contact with the realities of children in impoverished neighborhoods, which can skew their perceptions of education and food access. His ongoing pursuit of solutions to childhood poverty demonstrates his belief in the capacity for democracy to foster change through informed discussion and collective action. Through stories of resilience and the necessity of a supportive community, Bennett finds hope and motivation in the fight for equity.
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet talks to Kate and Mark about how being superintendent of Denver Public Schools stoked his interest in food rights, what inspires him and why we should feel hopeful, his newfound interest in cooking, and why cast iron reigns supreme.
Interested in finding out more about Regent Seven Seas' new savings opportunity? Book any voyage and get 5% off all subsequent voyages that are part of Regent's Voyage Collection Debut. Head here: https://www.rssc.com/2026-2027-voyage-collection
Subscribe to Food with Mark Bittman on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, and please help us grow by leaving us a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts.
Follow Mark on Twitter at @bittman, and on Facebook and Instagram at @markbittman. Want more food content? Subscribe to The Bittman Project at www.bittmanproject.com.
Questions or comments? Email food@markbittman.com. And if you have a minute, we'd love it if you'd take a short survey about our show! Head here: http://bit.ly/foodwithmarkbittman-survey