"Vote With Your Fork" : Why Food Policy Matters in Today's Election
Anthony Bourdain- "There is Nothing More Political than Food. The Things That We Eat are the Direct Reflection of our Histories.”
Today, November 4th, millions of Americans will cast their votes to determine the future of the country. While headlines focus on hot-button issues and familiar candidates, there is an urgent, everyday matter that shapes our families, farms, and communities: the food system. Now more than ever, it’s time to “Vote With Your Fork”—to consider how food policy, from SNAP to global trade and farmer support, affects the health and well-being of all Americans. research.open+1
SNAP, America’s foundational nutrition assistance program, supports over 40 million people at risk of hunger. Election-year proposals and debates have put SNAP and other food programs in the spotlight, with some candidates advocating for work requirements and tighter eligibility, while others push to expand access and modernize benefits. The stakes are immense—especially as the cost of living soars and more families rely on help to put food on the table. Experts stress, “Everyone must eat, but food must be accessible to all… These issues have all become part of the 2025 debate”.
American farmers face unique challenges as trade tensions with China persist and new policies around beef imports from Argentina test market stability. Tariffs, subsidies, and regulatory changes impact the price of everything from soybeans to steak, ultimately shaping what ends up in grocery stores nationwide. Large-scale proposals in 2025, such as Project 2025, have sparked controversy by promising deregulation and shifting favor to industrial agribusiness, threatening support for family farms and local food production. theconversation+1
Food policy is much more than price tags and export numbers. It’s about healthy options in schools, dignity for all at the dinner table, climate resilience, and whether community farmers can compete against global corporations. Deregulation of dietary guidelines and food assistance could undermine years of progress, increasing reliance on ultra-processed foods (which now make up over 70% of the average American’s intake). As one food systems expert recently noted: “Politics will never divorce itself from food prices… the cost and availability of food are always on the front lines of public debate”. ft+2
Quotes for Reflection
“There is nothing more political than food. The things that we eat are the direct reflection of our histories.” – Anthony Bourdain facebook+1
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience that brings us all together.” – James Beard restaurantmode
“Politics will never divorce itself from food prices. Whether it is US President dwelling on the price of eggs, or bread riots in Sudan, the cost and availability of food are always on the front lines of public debate.” – Financial Timesft
“The decisions that we make here will impact hungry people around the world.” – David Beckmann dtnpf
“An empty stomach is not a good political advisor.” – Albert Einstein foodreference
Recent Coverage and Global Perspective
For a deeper look at international food security and election impact, readers can explore: FT.com Food Security News.ft
No matter your party or politics, the choices made this election will shape the food system for years to come. When you vote tomorrow, think about the farmers, families, and communities whose future is determined not just by policy, but by each of us at the ballot box.research.open+3