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Civil Eats
@civileats.com
· Jan 21
Introducing Civil Eats’ Food Policy Tracker, your go-to source for daily federal food and farm updates.
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Nutrition experts warn that the new recommendations include contradictions and conflicts of interest, and that the guidelines may not prompt the shakeup the administration anticipates.
Public Health Groups Challenge Trump Administration Dietary Guidelines
Nutrition and public health experts worry that conflicting guidelines on saturated fat and protein may cause confusion.
civileats.com
January 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Nutrition experts warn that the new recommendations include contradictions and conflicts of interest, and that the guidelines may not prompt the shakeup the administration anticipates.
From expanding access to credit to cleaning up forever-chemical contamination on farmland, here’s a list of 10 proposals that cover farm-group priorities for a farm bill that remains elusive. ⬇️
10 Farm Bill Proposals to Watch in 2026
From expanding access to credit to cleaning up forever chemicals, the farm bill proposals cover a wide range of farm-group priorities.
civileats.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM
From expanding access to credit to cleaning up forever-chemical contamination on farmland, here’s a list of 10 proposals that cover farm-group priorities for a farm bill that remains elusive. ⬇️
Nutrition and public health experts worry that conflicting guidelines on saturated fat and protein may cause confusion.
Public Health Groups Challenge Trump Administration Dietary Guidelines
Nutrition and public health experts worry that conflicting guidelines on saturated fat and protein may cause confusion.
civileats.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:35 AM
Nutrition and public health experts worry that conflicting guidelines on saturated fat and protein may cause confusion.
Environmental historian and MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, "Tiny Gardens Everywhere," about the power of urban gardening to transform people and societies.
How Urban Gardens Can Bolster American Democracy
MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, ‘Tiny Gardens Everywhere,’ and the power of urban gardens to transform people and societies.
civileats.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Environmental historian and MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, "Tiny Gardens Everywhere," about the power of urban gardening to transform people and societies.
Florida closed Apalachicola Bay in 2020 for five years after a 2013 fishery failure wiped out a $9 million annual harvest that once supported 2,500 jobs. The state reopened the commercial oyster fishery on Jan. 1, leaving the local community anxious about its economic future.
A Florida Oyster Fishery and Its Community Fight for Their Future
The controversial reopening of Apalachicola Bay will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible.
civileats.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Florida closed Apalachicola Bay in 2020 for five years after a 2013 fishery failure wiped out a $9 million annual harvest that once supported 2,500 jobs. The state reopened the commercial oyster fishery on Jan. 1, leaving the local community anxious about its economic future.
Experts say they're concerned that eliminating SNAP-Ed will exacerbate Americans’ poor metabolic health and likely drive even more reliance on ultra-processed foods.
The End of SNAP-Ed Leaves Underserved Communities With Even Fewer Resources
SNAP-Ed, the country’s largest nutrition education program, was eliminated last fall. States are starting to feel the impact. Colorado is among the first.
civileats.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Experts say they're concerned that eliminating SNAP-Ed will exacerbate Americans’ poor metabolic health and likely drive even more reliance on ultra-processed foods.
Though most experts say there’s no clear path forward for a new farm bill, it hasn’t stopped lawmakers from introducing and reintroducing marker bills they hope to get into an actual farm bill package. Here’s a list of 10 recent proposals important to farmers. ⬇️
10 Farm Bill Proposals to Watch in 2026
From expanding access to credit to cleaning up forever chemicals, the farm bill proposals cover a wide range of farm-group priorities.
civileats.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Though most experts say there’s no clear path forward for a new farm bill, it hasn’t stopped lawmakers from introducing and reintroducing marker bills they hope to get into an actual farm bill package. Here’s a list of 10 recent proposals important to farmers. ⬇️
The newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages consumers to limit highly processed foods and added sugars, but did not suggest new limits on saturated fat. ➡️ buff.ly/SSICz8P
January 8, 2026 at 7:30 PM
The newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages consumers to limit highly processed foods and added sugars, but did not suggest new limits on saturated fat. ➡️ buff.ly/SSICz8P
After a legislative fight led by Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), members of Congress stripped a controversial provision out of the latest version of a bill that funds the EPA.
Legal Immunity for Pesticide Companies Removed From EPA Funding Bill
In an exclusive interview, Representative Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, said she pushed hard to fight the proposal, and it’s likely to come up again in the farm bill.
civileats.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:01 PM
After a legislative fight led by Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), members of Congress stripped a controversial provision out of the latest version of a bill that funds the EPA.
In a Q&A with Civil Eats, environmental historian and MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, "Tiny Gardens Everywhere," the histories of urban gardens, and why she believes they can transform people and society.
How Urban Gardens Can Bolster American Democracy
MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, ‘Tiny Gardens Everywhere,’ and the power of urban gardens to transform people and societies.
civileats.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:01 AM
In a Q&A with Civil Eats, environmental historian and MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, "Tiny Gardens Everywhere," the histories of urban gardens, and why she believes they can transform people and society.
New Dietary Guidelines from the Trump administration largely warn against “highly processed” foods and added sugar consumption, while giving animal protein, full-fat dairy, and fats a boost.
Trump Administration Dietary Guidelines Emphasize Animal Protein, Dairy
The newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages consumers to limit highly processed foods and added sugars, but did not suggest new limits on saturated fat.
civileats.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:15 PM
New Dietary Guidelines from the Trump administration largely warn against “highly processed” foods and added sugar consumption, while giving animal protein, full-fat dairy, and fats a boost.
The controversial reopening of Apalachicola Bay will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible.
“The bay is going to provide. It’s a delicious bay. But if we don’t take care of it, then it can’t really take care of us.”
“The bay is going to provide. It’s a delicious bay. But if we don’t take care of it, then it can’t really take care of us.”
A Florida Oyster Fishery and Its Community Fight for Their Future
The controversial reopening of Apalachicola Bay will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible.
civileats.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:30 PM
The controversial reopening of Apalachicola Bay will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible.
“The bay is going to provide. It’s a delicious bay. But if we don’t take care of it, then it can’t really take care of us.”
“The bay is going to provide. It’s a delicious bay. But if we don’t take care of it, then it can’t really take care of us.”
In an exclusive interview, Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) said she pushed hard to strip a controversial provision that would have made it harder for individuals to sue pesticide manufacturers over alleged health harms out of an EPA funding bill.
Legal Immunity for Pesticide Companies Removed From EPA Funding Bill
In an exclusive interview, Representative Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, said she pushed hard to fight the proposal, and it’s likely to come up again in the farm bill.
civileats.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM
In an exclusive interview, Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) said she pushed hard to strip a controversial provision that would have made it harder for individuals to sue pesticide manufacturers over alleged health harms out of an EPA funding bill.
In a Q&A with Contributor @samdelgado.bsky.social, environmental historian and MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, "Tiny Gardens Everywhere," about the power of urban gardening to transform people and societies.
How Urban Gardens Can Bolster American Democracy
MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, ‘Tiny Gardens Everywhere,’ and the power of urban gardens to transform people and societies.
civileats.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM
In a Q&A with Contributor @samdelgado.bsky.social, environmental historian and MIT professor Kate Brown discusses her new book, "Tiny Gardens Everywhere," about the power of urban gardening to transform people and societies.
The state of Florida reopened commercial oyster fishing in Apalachicola Bay on Jan. 1, leaving the small community on the Forgotten Coast anxious about its economic future. The controversial reopening will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible.
A Florida Oyster Fishery and Its Community Fight for Their Future
The controversial reopening of Apalachicola Bay will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible.
civileats.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:00 AM
The state of Florida reopened commercial oyster fishing in Apalachicola Bay on Jan. 1, leaving the small community on the Forgotten Coast anxious about its economic future. The controversial reopening will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible.
Some states, like Georgia, will be able to keep their SNAP-Ed programs intact for about a year due to other funding sources, but other states, like Colorado, are already experiencing significant losses, starting with staff layoffs at nutrition programs.
The End of SNAP-Ed Leaves Underserved Communities With Even Fewer Resources
SNAP-Ed, the country’s largest nutrition education program, was eliminated last fall. States are starting to feel the impact. Colorado is among the first.
civileats.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Some states, like Georgia, will be able to keep their SNAP-Ed programs intact for about a year due to other funding sources, but other states, like Colorado, are already experiencing significant losses, starting with staff layoffs at nutrition programs.
Residents in five states are now restricted from using federal food assistance for soda, candy and other foods, after waivers signed by the USDA began Jan. 1.
SNAP Restrictions Take Effect in Five States
With last minute federal guidance, grocers have lingering concerns about how new SNAP waivers will be implemented.
civileats.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Residents in five states are now restricted from using federal food assistance for soda, candy and other foods, after waivers signed by the USDA began Jan. 1.
From expanding access to credit to cleaning up forever-chemical contamination on farmland, the proposals cover farm-group priorities for a farm bill that remains elusive.
10 Farm Bill Proposals to Watch in 2026
From expanding access to credit to cleaning up forever chemicals, the farm bill proposals cover a wide range of farm-group priorities.
civileats.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:30 PM
From expanding access to credit to cleaning up forever-chemical contamination on farmland, the proposals cover farm-group priorities for a farm bill that remains elusive.
The controversial reopening of Apalachicola Bay will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible. If the oysters come back, so will the industry. If they don’t, residents fear the area will be overtaken by resort-style development.
A Florida Oyster Fishery and Its Community Fight for Their Future
The controversial reopening of Apalachicola Bay will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible.
civileats.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The controversial reopening of Apalachicola Bay will test whether its once-sustainable local food system is still possible. If the oysters come back, so will the industry. If they don’t, residents fear the area will be overtaken by resort-style development.
Food restrictions on purchases made through SNAP started last week in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia. So far, 13 additional states have similar restrictions set to take effect later this year.
SNAP Restrictions Take Effect in Five States
With last minute federal guidance, grocers have lingering concerns about how new SNAP waivers will be implemented.
civileats.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Food restrictions on purchases made through SNAP started last week in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia. So far, 13 additional states have similar restrictions set to take effect later this year.
Over the past month, lawmakers have been introducing and reintroducing marker bills they hope to get into an actual farm bill package. Here are 10 recent proposals important to farmers, most of which have bipartisan support. ⬇️
10 Farm Bill Proposals to Watch in 2026
From expanding access to credit to cleaning up forever chemicals, the farm bill proposals cover a wide range of farm-group priorities.
civileats.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Over the past month, lawmakers have been introducing and reintroducing marker bills they hope to get into an actual farm bill package. Here are 10 recent proposals important to farmers, most of which have bipartisan support. ⬇️
For more than three decades, SNAP-Ed helped millions of food-insecure Americans make healthier food choices, but the One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminated the program.
The End of SNAP-Ed Leaves Underserved Communities With Even Fewer Resources
SNAP-Ed, the country’s largest nutrition education program, was eliminated last fall. States are starting to feel the impact. Colorado is among the first.
civileats.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:01 AM
For more than three decades, SNAP-Ed helped millions of food-insecure Americans make healthier food choices, but the One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminated the program.
Take a look back at our most important climate-related stories from 2025. 🌎⬇️
Our Biggest Climate Stories of 2025
The year encompassed devastating fires, historic floods, tornadoes, regional droughts, with farmers caught in the crosshairs.
civileats.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Take a look back at our most important climate-related stories from 2025. 🌎⬇️
The country’s largest nutrition education program was eliminated last fall, and states are starting to feel the impact. Colorado is among the first.
The End of SNAP-Ed Leaves Underserved Communities With Even Fewer Resources
SNAP-Ed, the country’s largest nutrition education program, was eliminated last fall. States are starting to feel the impact. Colorado is among the first.
civileats.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The country’s largest nutrition education program was eliminated last fall, and states are starting to feel the impact. Colorado is among the first.
Tariffs, corporate consolidation, federal budget cuts to a wide array of farm programs, and looming cuts to healthcare were among the multiple challenges farmers faced in 2025.
Our Biggest Farming Stories of 2025
Tariffs, corporate consolidation, and federal budget cuts were among the multiple challenges farmers faced this year.
civileats.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Tariffs, corporate consolidation, federal budget cuts to a wide array of farm programs, and looming cuts to healthcare were among the multiple challenges farmers faced in 2025.