Food Is Politics: A Primer
06/09/20 • 25 min
3 Listeners
Sure, Chef Tom Colicchio is an Emmy-winning restaurateur but he’s also a food advocate on a mission to improve our food systems. In this first episode, Tom talks about his vision for the show and the way the pandemic has highlighted the delicate and inflexible nature of the American food web.
Tom calls up friend and food policy go-to, Dr. Marion Nestle (Food Politics) to outline a few of the major issues we'll look into this season.
Resources
- “Table For None: Tom Colicchio Explains What Restaurants Need To Survive,” Fresh Air
- “In the Face of COVID-19, State Legislators Push for Federal Support of Local Food Systems,” Civil Eats
- A Place At The Table, 2013 documentary
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sure, Chef Tom Colicchio is an Emmy-winning restaurateur but he’s also a food advocate on a mission to improve our food systems. In this first episode, Tom talks about his vision for the show and the way the pandemic has highlighted the delicate and inflexible nature of the American food web.
Tom calls up friend and food policy go-to, Dr. Marion Nestle (Food Politics) to outline a few of the major issues we'll look into this season.
Resources
- “Table For None: Tom Colicchio Explains What Restaurants Need To Survive,” Fresh Air
- “In the Face of COVID-19, State Legislators Push for Federal Support of Local Food Systems,” Civil Eats
- A Place At The Table, 2013 documentary
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Previous Episode
Introducing: Citizen Chef with Tom Colicchio
Tom Colicchio has issues with food! This podcast is about what we eat, where and who it comes from, and the politics, decisions, policies and people that shape our food system – with the goal of turning curious listeners into more informed, engaged citizens. Led by restaurateur and Top Chef host Tom Colicchio, the podcast delves into policy, labor, hunger, democracy, sustainability, farming, health, social justice, technology and the restaurant business. Of particular concern is a post-coronavirus and covid-19 world. Each episode Tom takes a deep dive into an issue by interviewing experts, journalists, food producers or others to tell an engaging and topical story about an aspect of our food system that the general public may not know, connecting the dots about how our food system really works, really doesn’t, and outlining its impact on our society – all while remaining positive and presenting attainable solutions to some of the biggest food issues out there.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Next Episode
Disaster Relief Pt. 1: World Central Kitchen Spotlight
Who's making sure people eat during times of disaster? In part one of our episodes looking into disaster relief, World Central Kitchen CEO Nate Mook joins Tom to examine how our governments respond with food aid in localized catastrophes like we saw in NYC after 9/11 and in global emergencies like COVID-19. They also discuss how to incite lasting change with the FEED Act.
Resources
- H.R.6700 - FEED Act
- World Central Kitchen
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Citizen Chef with Tom Colicchio - Food Is Politics: A Primer
Transcript Summary
In the episode titled "Food Is Politics: A Primer," this thought-provoking podcast explores the intricate web of the American food system and the urgent need for change. The United States Department of Agriculture's policies have left farmers feeling overwhelmed while profits flow disproportionately to corporations, exacerbating inequality. COVID-19's impact on the vulnerabilities within this system has further emphasized the necessity for reform. Tom Collichio, renowned chef, restaurateur, and food activist, highlights the importance of political action and proposes essential solutions, including universal healthcare, universal school meals, and a federal subsidy system for agriculture. Through an interview with expert Mary Nestle, the episode delves into the complexities of food policy, the influence of corporate lobbying, and the need for government regulations to promote a healthier, more equitable food system that prioritizes human welfare. Additionally, the discussion encompasses the role of bioengineered crops and the necessity of federal regulation to ensure their safety. Engaging, informative, and solution-oriented, this episode urges listeners to examine the multi-faceted connections between politics, food, and social justice, compelling them to seek change in the way we think about and interact with our food.
Transcript
So, Hi, I'm Tom Collichio, and I'm sure that some of you know me from Top Chef, where I play that that strict, stern judge and you know, from rolling my eyes and kind of making people nervous. But I'm also a chef and restaurateur. I've been cooking for well over forty years now. Also, I'm a co founder of Food Policy Action and so but I guess my, my, my hold on a second. I didn't like where I was going with this. Try this again. Hey, I'm Tom Colli
Food Is Politics: A Primer Top Questions Answered
What is the ongoing struggle with the United States Department of Agriculture and its impact on farmers?
The ongoing struggle with the United States Department of Agriculture is causing dire stress for farmers, and the inequality in the United States resembles that of the 1920s, with profits not benefiting farmers.
Who does the current food system primarily benefit, and who does it neglect?
The current food system primarily benefits big agriculture and large producers, neglecting the needs of small farmers, ranchers, and fishermen.
How has COVID-19 affected the vulnerabilities in the food system?
COVID-19 has exposed vulnerabilities in the food system and increased food insecurity.
What are some concrete ideas for improving the food system?
Some concrete ideas for improving the food system include universal healthcare, universal school meals, federal subsidies for affordable fruits and vegetables, and a livable wage for all.
What is the role of political action in bringing about change in the food system?
Political action is necessary to bring about change in the food system, and individuals should contact their congressional representatives and demand improvements.
Can COVID-19 lead to cooperation and discussions to address food system issues?
COVID-19 may bring about cooperation and discussions to address issues within the food system.
How would you describe the American food system?
The American food system is complex, interconnected, and includes policies that affect food production and distribution.
Who is Tom Collichio and what are his contributions to the food system?
Tom Collichio is a chef, restaurateur, and food activist. He co-founded Food Policy Action and is involved in the SNAP program.
What is the focus of Tom Collichio's podcast, Citizen Chef?
Tom Collichio's podcast, Citizen Chef, explores how food is linked to various issues like immigration, military preparedness, healthcare, and the economy.
How did Tom Collichio's interest in food politics begin?
Tom's interest in food politics began after his wife co-directed a film called "A Place at the Table," which focused on hunger in America.
What is Food Policy Action and what does it do?
Food Policy Action is an organization co-founded by Tom Collichio, working on various food policies and producing a scorecard for congress members.
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