What is Food Politics?
Individual health, the health of our most vulnerable and marginalized communities, the health of our planet, and the very health of our democracy are all connected to our food systems and food policy.
The League’s mission is to Defend Democracy and Empower Voters. For the Food Politics team, that means empowering people to make better food choices for their individual health and the environment, exposing the corrupting influence of corporate money on our food and health systems, and advocating for more equitable food access and public policy in St. Petersburg.
Fortunately, by putting more plants and less meat on our plates, each of us has the opportunity, every day, to be part of the solution. Join the growing movement that recognizes the power of our food choices to impact some of the nation’s most pressing problems.
Our Guiding Principles
As the nation faces interlocking challenges related to health, the environment, social justice, and democracy, we recognize that food intersects all of these issues.
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We support
science-based food policies, free from political and corporate influence, that promote better health for individuals and communities. -
We believe
food policies should reflect sustainable environmental practices and address the impact of animal agriculture on climate change, water pollution, air pollution, and deforestation. -
We believe
that our entire food system should be just and equitable with no communities suffering from less favorable health outcomes and increased environmental hazards. -
We believe
that no citizen should face nutrition insecurity. -
We encourage (and applaud!)
anyone interested in incorporating more plants into their diets by reducing their meat, dairy, and other animal consumption. -
We believe
that in a healthy democracy, the corrupting influence of money in politics does not dictate food policy. -
We believe
in both individual and collective action to drive the most sustainable change in our community.
How to Get Involved
The St. Petersburg Food Politics Scene
With a focus on education an advocacy, we can defend our democracy and empower voters
- Education. Join us as we dig into the issues, learning from local leaders, activists, and maybe even a farm animal or two. Share in the discussion, trivia, movies, and a food tour. If you want to learn, meet great people, and have some fun, we welcome your participation.
- Advocacy. Be a part of our team as we advocate on local food politics issues. Our focus is on equitable and just access to healthy food in our community and limiting the environmental impact of our food choices. If you want to make your voice heard and make a difference, we invite you to take action with us.
You can be part of this important work, where food and fun go hand in hand with activism and advocacy as we make positive changes in our community. Please join us.
Big Money and Food Politics
Who cares what you eat? The answer to that question might surprise you. Big Ag, Big Pharma, and Big Insurance all care quite a lot about what is on your dinner plate, with the voices of our nation’s scientists, researchers, and clinicians being pushed aside. With billions at “steak”, corporations continue to pour money into the political system while people and the planet get sicker and sicker.
Food & Fun
Thinking about incorporating more plants might seem challenging, but it doesn’t need to be. With so many amazing local restaurants and resources, exploring a plant-based diet can be a lot of fun, and that’s a high priority for our team!
We have a great time breaking bread with others. A few highlights:
- Our first Grand Central Plant-Based Food Tour
- Vegan soul food and movie night (Forks Over Knives)
- Meetup gatherings at Lotus Vegan
