The New York City Food Policy Center at Hunter College is seeking writers, journalists, researchers, and advocates to contribute to our food policy coverage. Our mission is to make food policy research and complex policy discussions accessible to a broad audience. We publish analysis, commentary, essays, and explainers on food policy issues and debates. We’re committed to featuring diverse voices and perspectives.
Who We’re Looking For
Ideal qualifications:
- Background in Food Studies, Food Science, Anthropology, International Development, Creative Writing, Journalism, or a related field, whether through formal education, professional experience, or lived expertise
- Demonstrated interest in food systems, policy, cultural anthropology, social sciences, and/or investigative journalism
- Experience with research, reporting, or community-based work related to food access, food justice, or food policy
- Academic researchers, independent scholars, and those with firsthand experience navigating food systems as a worker, advocate, community organizer, or someone directly affected by food policy are all encouraged to apply. We also welcome pitches from students and emerging writers.
- We are committed to amplifying voices that have historically been underrepresented in food policy conversations, and we especially encourage submissions from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, low-income, and other marginalized communities.
What We Expect
We’re looking for fresh perspectives on food policy issues, including how policies play out on the ground, the impact on communities, and emerging debates. Our readers come from all backgrounds, including policymakers, advocates, students, and community members, so we need writers who can translate academic and political language into clear, accessible writing. The goal is to inform and engage. Use jargon sparingly, and when technical terms are necessary, explain them. Cite all claims with hyperlinks to credible sources, prioritizing original sources such as government reports, peer-reviewed research, and firsthand accounts.
Articles range from 700 to 2,200 words, with a turnaround of seven days from assignment. We expect contributors to be communicative throughout the process and to address editorial feedback within one to two days.
We publish work that challenges assumptions and addresses difficult topics. We do not publish content that discriminates on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion, class, ability, culture, or other marginalized identities.
Compensation
Freelance contributors receive a fixed stipend based on the scope, length, and complexity of the piece, as well as the writer’s experience. Compensation details will be shared with selected applicants.
How to Apply
Please submit the following to info@nycfoodpolicy.org with the subject line “Pitch Submission – [Your Name]”:
- CV, including any previous publications
- Two writing samples, preferably short-form articles, essays, or journalism that reflect the kind of accessible, public-facing writing we publish
- A pitch that includes a clear topic related to food policy, a brief explanation of your angle and why the piece is timely, an outline of the structure, your anticipated sources, a proposed word count, and a few sentences on why this piece would be a good fit for the FPC
We review applications on a rolling basis and will be in touch if your pitch aligns with our editorial needs.
