From Sizzling to Savory: Your Weekly Food Highlights and Cravings!

Each week, Food Tank highlights news stories that spark excitement, anger, or curiosity.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Signed into Law

On July 4, 2025, President Trump’s Budget Reconciliation Bill officially became law after a contentious journey through Congress, enduring 493 amendments and tight votes. This extensive bill, known as H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), reshapes U.S. domestic policy significantly. It reallocates trillions from vital programs like food aid and healthcare toward national defense, immigration enforcement, and tax cuts.

Estimated cuts include $287 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and $1 trillion from healthcare programs. New work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries are also included, alongside state financing directives for SNAP.

The effects of these cuts are grave. Millions of families could lose benefits, with predictions of up to 9 billion fewer meals served nationwide. Concerns over health coverage are substantial, with 10.9 million more uninsured Americans anticipated in the next decade due to healthcare spending cuts.

Experts warn that these policies may lead to higher food insecurity and worse health outcomes for many. “Decades of progress in fighting hunger in America could be undone,” noted Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center.

Green Climate Fund Makes Historic Investment

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has announced a groundbreaking investment of $1.225 billion for climate action across 36 countries. This includes crucial support for food systems in East Africa and renewable energy projects in South Asia. Overall, GCF now manages 314 projects with funding of about $18 billion.

As global needs grow, GCF has improved its accreditation process significantly, slashing approval times for partner organizations from 30 months to just nine. This move is timely, especially since key contributors like the U.S. and U.K. have announced cuts in aid, anticipating a 17% decline in global assistance this year. GCF aims to fill this funding gap by emphasizing urgent collective climate action.

Extreme Heatwaves Hit Europe

Europe is grappling with record heat, harming crops and endangering farm workers’ lives. This June, temperatures soared, causing several countries to report their hottest month on record. In response, France has prohibited outdoor fieldwork during peak heat, while Italy and Greece have imposed mandatory work breaks in high-risk areas.

The European Commission highlights that droughts and heatwaves already cost EU farmers around €28.3 billion annually. If the current heatwaves persist, farmers may face even greater losses. Meteorologists warn that ongoing high temperatures could compound stress on crops, leading to diminished yields.

Japan’s Remarkable Reduction in Food Waste

Japan has achieved a milestone in food waste reduction, dropping to 4.64 million tons in fiscal year 2023—its lowest recorded level since tracking began in 2012. This is a 1.7% decrease from the previous year, indicating growing awareness and action against waste, especially in households and food-related businesses.

Despite progress, household waste remains a significant issue. It is estimated to have caused around JPY¥40 trillion (approximately $277 billion) in economic losses in 2022. To combat this, new guidelines aim to extend expiration dates and encourage food donations.

Local governments are also playing a vital role, creating platforms for the community to share tips and recipes to help reduce food waste effectively. Initiatives like reward points for buying near-expiry items and the “3010 movement,” which encourages diners to finish their meals, are gaining traction.

U.S. Moves to Limit Farmland Purchases by Foreign Predators

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced strict new protocols to block foreign entities linked to national security threats, especially those from China, from purchasing U.S. farmland. This policy forms part of a broader National Farm Security Action Plan, which highlights the link between agricultural security and national security.

Farm security is increasingly seen as critical to ensure the U.S. food supply remains stable. Recent statistics show that about 1% of foreign-owned land is linked to China, primarily through Smithfield Foods. Nonetheless, states are actively proposing restrictions, with 81 bills introduced across 33 states aimed at limiting foreign ownership of farmland, particularly near military sites.

While Congress hasn’t yet enacted a federal law targeting foreign farmland ownership, discussions are ongoing, with around 25 proposals in motion to restrict ownership by entities from certain countries. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes the need to protect U.S. resources from foreign influence.

Source link

3010 movement,Arkansas farmland law,China land ban,climate finance,EU heatwave,food donations,food systems,foreign ownership,GCF projects,global warming,Green Climate Fund,International Fund for Agricultural Development,Japan food waste,MAFF,Medicaid,Ministry of Agriculture Japan,national security,Save the Children,school meals,Smithfield Foods,SNAP,SNAP cuts,sustainable agriculture,U.S. Farmland,usda,wildfire risk