Giving Compass' Take:

• In this interview, Jeremiah Lowery, member of the D.C. Food Policy Council, discusses why comprehensive food policy is necessary to build a better food system. 

• Lowery says that intersectional policy that brings stakeholders together will help solve issues within the food and agriculture industry. What challenges does this pose and where can philanthropists play a role to help advance food policy?

• Read about how some local communities took food policy into their own hands. 

Jeremiah Lowery, member of the D.C. Food Policy Council, currently serves as the Director of the Universal Childcare NOW D.C. Coalition in addition to his membership on the D.C. Food Policy Council.  Food Tank sat down with Lowery to discuss his aspirations for food policy and youth involvement on food issues.

FT: How are you helping to build a better food system?

JL: I am currently working on legislation to extend childcare access to all parents in the District of Columbia. The D.C. area has a growing food service sector and the most expensive childcare system in the United States.  Too many food service workers in the District of Columbia, who are a vital part of our food system, have to choose between going to work and caring for a sick child.

FT: What’s the most pressing issue in food and agriculture that you’d like to see solved?

JL: We need to develop more intersectional policy to bring various food-related sectors and actors together.

FT: What is one small change every person can make in their daily lives to make a big difference?

JL: Engage in local politics. Call, email, and show up at community meetings to push our local city council, the board of education, mayors, and other elected officials to do more to improve the local food system.

Read the full article about food policy and security by Max De Faria at Food Tank.