Every five years, Congress brings back the laws that regulate the US food and agriculture industry, known as the Farm bill. 3It was last updated in 2018, meaning another update is due this year. The comprehensive bill affects not only farmers but also food consumers, covering everything from agricultural conservation to funding for SNAP and nutrition programs. This is a prime example of legislation that can affect our health and the health of the planet in one fell swoop.

Want to increase access to healthy food? Hoping to see subsidies for crops other than corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice? Want to support more regenerative ways of farming? In the coming months, take a few minutes to write or call your local representatives and tell them about the food issues you care about most and would like to see in the next bill.