Oregon’s Winter Waters Initiative Champions Local Seafood Amidst Import Dominance

On a blustery Saturday in early February, a small but determined group gathered on a dock at the Port of Newport, a vital hub on Oregon’s central coast. Dressed in…

How to Start a Seed and Plant Swap

As the morning progressed, the quiet anticipation of the organizers was met with a steady influx of attendees. Farmers, eager young children, seasoned plant enthusiasts, and novice community gardeners tromped…

Casey Means’ Surgeon General Confirmation Hearing Sparks Debate on Diet, Vaccines, and Public Health Direction

February 26, 2026 – President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, Casey Means, appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on Wednesday, signaling a…

USDA Approves More SNAP Waivers, Limiting Soda and Candy Purchases in Four Additional States

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted waivers to four more states, allowing them to restrict the purchase of certain food items, including candy, soda, and…

The Unsung Architects of Our Food System: A Decade of Women’s Indispensable Contributions to Agriculture and Food Justice

Civil Eats has consistently championed the narratives of individuals whose profound contributions to the global food system frequently go unacknowledged. As the world marked International Women’s Day, and during the…

Federal Agencies Signal Sweeping Reforms for School Meals Amidst Expert Calls for Increased Support

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is poised to introduce significant modifications to federal school meal programs, emphasizing "real foods" and a reduction in ultra-processed items, a move that comes…

House Agriculture Committee Advances Contentious 2026 Farm Bill Amidst Deep Divisions Over SNAP Cuts and Pesticide Protections

Washington D.C., March 5, 2026 – The House Agriculture Committee has successfully advanced its proposed 2026 Farm Bill, titled the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” following an…

Geopolitical Crisis in the Gulf Escalates U.S. Agricultural Input Costs, Sparking Urgent Calls for Federal Intervention and Supply Chain Resilience

During a pivotal Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on Tuesday, March 12, 2026, lawmakers and expert witnesses converged on a pressing concern: the escalating war in Iran and its immediate, potentially…

SNAP Recipients Sue USDA Over Restrictions on Soda, Candy, and Other Purchases

Individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have initiated a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), challenging the agency’s approval of state waivers that restrict the…

Federal Scrutiny Challenges California’s Ambitious Farmland Equity Reforms

In a significant confrontation over agricultural land policy, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has threatened California with "immediate legal action" should Governor Gavin Newsom proceed with policy recommendations…