The Farm Bill shapes our local, regional, and national food systems, from farm and crop production, to access to healthy food, to nutrition and hunger programs. The process to reauthorize the Farm Bill in 2018 is underway. Stakeholders, advocates, and community members all have a role in ensuring that the next Farm Bill protects and expands progress made thus far, while strengthening policies that advance equity and sustain food systems and healthy communities.

During this webinar. PolicyLink, The Food Trust, and Reinvestment Fund, as well as representatives of the Food and Agriculture Policy Collaborative, provided a brief overview of the Farm Bill and status of the reauthorization process, as well as highlight four key policy pillars within the legislation: the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), healthy food incentive programs such as Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI), and sustainable agricultural and local/regional food system development. Speakers discussed challenges and opportunities in each policy arena and highlight opportunities to get involved in shaping the next Farm Bill.

Featured Speakers:

• Abby Bownas, NVG
• Lisa Cylar Barrett, PolicyLink
• Ellen Vollinger, Food Research and Action Center
• Brenton Ling, Fair Food Network
• Wes King, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
• John Weidman, Center for Healthy Food Access, The Food Trust (Moderator)