As Vice President Kamala Harris steps into the role of the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States, many food advocates are asking what a Harris presidency could mean for the food system.
Her policies and leadership style are poised to bring significant changes across various sectors, including the intricate web of our nation’s food system. From agriculture to nutrition policy, a potential Harris presidency holds the potential to reshape how Americans grow, distribute, and consume food.
Emphasis on Food Security and Nutrition
Vice President Harris has been a vocal advocate for improving food security and nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and low-income families. She has launched numerous initiatives to reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harris introduced the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2020 and the bipartisan FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries (FEED) Act. The first bill expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for Americans in need during the pandemic. The second allowed the federal government to partner with small and mid-size restaurants and nonprofit organizations to provide nutritious meals to vulnerable individuals in need and waived some matching fund requirements
As a senator, Harris was a co-sponsor of the Food Donation Improvement Act, which aimed to encourage food donations by expanding liability protections for the donation of food and grocery products. She also championed the Hunger-Free Americans Act to address food insecurity, which focuses on increasing funding for food assistance programs. She has also been a proponent of the Farm to School program, which connects schools with local farms to enrich the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and provide a market for local farmers.
Her presidency could lead to strengthened food assistance programs such as SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), ensuring more equitable access to nutritious food for those in need. Harris’s track record suggests a commitment to promoting urban agriculture initiatives that help enhance food access in under-resourced communities.
Climate Change and Agricultural Policy
As Attorney General in California, Harris launched efforts to preserve and protect natural resources and combat environmental hazards and joined a coalition of 17 other states and then-Vice President Gore to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change.
As a Senator, she co-authored the Climate Equity Act, which aimed to address the inequitable impact of climate change on underserved communities. As Vice President, she has continued her commitment to environmental justice by ensuring that federal investments in green initiatives reach the communities most impacted by climate change. Additionally, she has played a critical role in securing funding for clean energy projects through the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill.
Harris has been a long-time advocate for food waste reduction policies, championing efforts to decrease food waste through educational campaigns, and incentives to businesses that adopt sustainable practices.
Under a Harris presidency, there could be a heightened emphasis on sustainable agriculture and resilience to the impacts of climate change. Policies could include incentives for farmers to adopt practices that sequester carbon, reduce water use, and enhance soil health. This approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also aims to strengthen the resilience of agricultural communities to increasingly severe weather patterns and other climate-related challenges.
Regulation and Food Safety
Efforts to ensure food safety and strengthen regulatory oversight are likely to be a priority under Harris’s presidency. This could involve enhancing the ability of agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to monitor food production, enforce quality standards, and respond swiftly to foodborne illness outbreaks. Stricter regulations could be implemented to safeguard public health and maintain consumer confidence in the food supply chain.
Support for Small Farmers and Local Food Systems
As a native of California, the country’s largest agricultural state, Harris has sponsored legislation to improve the working conditions for farmworkers, expand access to food and water, and protect the environment. As Vice President, she has expressed support for small-scale farmers and local food systems. Her presidency, therefore, could involve policies that promote these sectors, including increased funding for farmers’ markets, farm-to-school programs, and initiatives that facilitate direct farmer-to-consumer relationships. By investing in local agriculture, Harris could bolster economic opportunities for farmers while enhancing access to fresh, locally sourced food for communities across the country.
International Trade and Food Policy
As President, Harris would also have a significant impact on global food policy, including issues related to international trade, food aid, and global food security. Her administration may seek to align U.S. policies with international efforts to address hunger and malnutrition while also promoting fair trade practices that benefit farmers and consumers globally.
Conclusion
A potential Kamala Harris presidency offers the potential for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system in the United States. By prioritizing food equity, sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and robust food safety regulations, she has already aimed to address pressing challenges while seizing opportunities for innovation and growth within the agricultural sector. As with any administration, the actual outcomes will depend on policy implementation, collaboration with stakeholders, and navigating complex political dynamics. Nevertheless, Harris’s leadership would present a pivotal moment for advancing a healthier, more inclusive food system that meets the needs of all Americans.
Read More
- Where Harris and Her Potential Running Mates Stand on Climate Change (Bloomberg)
- Kamala Harris Brings Food Justice to the Democratic Ticket (Civil Eats)
- Let Her Cook (Eater)
- What a Kamala Harris Presidency Would Mean for Health Care in America (NBC)
- When It Comes to Food and Politics, Kamala Harris Is Riffing on the Recipe (NY Times)
- What Biden Bombshell Means for Ag (Politico)
