Resource Library
Browse 100+ resources on food systems law and policy.
Farm to School Policy Case Study: Arizona H.B. 2518
School gardens provide a valuable opportunity to incorporate fresh produce into school means and allow students to eat what they grow, but some areas prohibit the use of school garden produce in school cafeterias due to food safety restrictions. This is where state-level policies can step in to provide support. This case study, authored by VLGS alum Raina Goldstein Bunnag MFALP’24 and developed in partnership with National Farm to School Network, tells the story of Arizona’s law H.B. 2518, which established a statewide food safety certification program for school gardens and made it possible for Arizona schools to serve their own garden-grown produce.
Topic: Institutional Procurement Policy, Healthy Food Access Audience: Community Organizations, Consumers, Policymakers, Processors & Distributors, ResearchersBoston’s Good Food Purchasing Policy, Part 2
This case study examines how the Boston's largest food purchaser, Boston Public Schools, has updated its procurement process according to the Good Food Purchasing Policy.
Topic: Farm Bill, Healthy Food Access Audience: Community Organizations, Consumers, Policymakers, ResearchersWhat is Food Policy?
This resource provides an overview of local, state, and federal laws and regulations that impact every sector of the food system.
Topic: Energy Audience: Community Organizations, Consumers, Farmers, PolicymakersENERGIZING AGRICULTURE Policy Opportunities for Beneficial Electrification on the Farm
This report explains how beneficial electrification in agriculture fosters a robust electric grid, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and cuts energy costs for both consumers and utilities.
Topic: Food Labels Audience: ConsumersWhat Is “Healthy” Food?
This issue brief outlines how the federal government regulates the term “healthy” on food labels and breaks down the meaning of health claims used on food packaging to support informed consumer choices.
Topic: Food Labels Audience: ConsumersWhat’s The Beef?
This issue brief provides general background on the science of cell-cultured meat production, describes the different regulatory bodies involved, and identifies some of the major issues surrounding the regulation of this new food product.
Topic: Food Labels Audience: ConsumersWhat Is Local Food?
This issue brief looks at how the term "local" is used in law and policy, provides examples of definitions, and describes additional values that are often considered within the context of local food.
Topic: Food Labels Audience: ConsumersIs “Organic” Humane?
This brief examines the movement to include animal welfare standards in the National Organic Program and includes policy considerations for advocates seeking to inform consumers and advance animal welfare through the National Organic Program.
Topic: Food Labels Audience: ConsumersConsumer’s Guide to Bioengineered Food Disclosures
This issue brief explains the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which is a federal law that requires food manufacturers and retailers to disclose whether certain foods are bioengineered on food labels.