Rebekah Alvey
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Writing about food, ag, climate for @CivilEats. Past: @agripulse, @eenewsupdates, @dallasnews,@washingtonpost.
Signal: rebekah_alvey50
Articles by Rebekah Alvey
FDA Nominee Says Agency Needs More Resources for GRAS
Heidi Overton appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Thursday for her nomination hearing as FDA commissioner. Overton was tapped for the role following Marty Makary’s departure in May. During the hearing, senators pressed Overton on her stances related to vaccines, tobacco, and abortion. But some lawmakers also asked Overton how she would lead the agency on food issues.
HHS, EPA to Collaborate on Glyphosate Safety Research
HHS, EPA to Collaborate on Glyphosate Safety Research Two federal agencies will work together as the federal government re-evaluates the safety of the controversial pesticide. September 23, 2026 – The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on glyphosate research, but pesticide critics are skeptical it will have far-reaching impacts.
USDA Opens Funding for States to Bolster Local Meat Processing
USDA Opens Funding for States to Bolster Local Meat Processing States can qualify for federal programs that support more local beef processing, but say financial barriers have made it challenging to participate. September 18, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide $50 million for states to start or expand meat-inspection programs with the aim of supporting small, local beef processing.
Trump’s Beef Plans Keep Cattle Experts Concerned
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. In practice, experts say it’s too early to tell if this will work. This wave began with an announcement on Aug. 21 from Trump, who said that the U.S. would allow 300,000 tons of ground beef imports at a lower tariff rate.
After Long Delay, Senate Committee Advances Farm Bill
After Long Delay, Senate Committee Advances Farm Bill The Agriculture Committee failed to pass the same bill in August amid Democratic opposition over food-assistance provisions. September 16, 2026 – The Senate Agriculture Committee voted to advance its version of the 2026 Farm Bill after a month-long recess, despite opposition from anti-hunger groups and Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) advocates.
Congressional Watchdog Urges USDA to Boost Pest and Disease Prevention
Congressional Watchdog Urges USDA to Boost Pest and Disease Prevention The Government Accountability Office says climate-driven risks for farmers and forests are increasing, while the federal response is falling short. September 11, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not adequately addressed climate-related risks of pests and disease for the forestry and agriculture sectors, according to a recent analysis by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Justice Department Expands Investigation of Beef Prices
On Tuesday, the agency’s Antitrust Division posted on social media that Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward had sent letters to eight of the biggest grocery chains—Kroger, Walmart, Publix, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize, Costco, and Amazon—requesting information about their beef pricing methods. In May, the DOJ announced it would investigate the top four meatpackers, who control over 85 percent of the beef processing market, over potential antitrust violations.
Is Our Food System Becoming Less Safe?
While food safety surveillance and prevention has been long under-funded, cuts to agencies like the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Trump administration have trickled down to food safety programs, Sorscher said. This has caused a major strain on resources and staffing at the federal and state level. FDA inspections, particularly of foreign operations, have not met targets for years.
USDA Admits First Cattle Imports Since Screwworm Response Began
USDA Admits First Cattle Imports Since Screwworm Response Began Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins defended the decision to start reopening ports, which follows the president’s recent announcement to temporarily lift tariffs on imported ground beef. August 24, 2026 – The U.S. has begun easing up on efforts to prevent the spread of New World screwworm (NWS) by reopening the first U.S. port to cattle after a year of closure.
Trump Announces Plan to Import More Beef With Waiver on Tariffs
Trump Announces Plan to Import More Beef With Waiver on Tariffs The plan is an effort to lower beef prices for consumers, but is raising concern among domestic ranchers. August 21, 2026 – The Trump administration is set to allow imports of beef to enter the United States at a lower tariff rate in an effort to lower prices for consumers—stoking concerns for domestic cattle ranchers. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
Trump Taps White House Aide to Lead FDA
Trump Taps White House Aide to Lead FDA Heidi Overton may face an uphill battle for confirmation amid Senate pushback on vaccines and MAHA woes over pesticides. August 20, 2026 – President Donald Trump’s latest nominee for a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) leader is already facing pushback from Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) supporters. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
Why Crops Are Becoming Less Nutritious
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. One 2004 study that analyzed federal nutrient content data of fruits and vegetables found that nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and more had declined since 1950 by as much as 38 percent.
Physician Group Sues Trump Administration Over Dietary Guidelines
Physician Group Sues Trump Administration Over Dietary Guidelines The lawsuit alleges the Trump administration violated federal law with a ‘secret panel’ when it established the latest guidelines. August 19, 2026 – A physicians group is asking a federal court to order the Trump administration to withdraw its Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), arguing it violated federal law by relying on a “secret panel” for scientific evidence.
New GRAS Rule Falls Short on Food-Additive Safety, Consumer Advocates Say
New GRAS Rule Falls Short on Food-Additive Safety, Consumer Advocates Say A new proposal aims to implement the MAHA movement’s push to close a loophole for food ingredients, but is missing important elements to ensure compliance.
The Most Impactful Food Policy Stories of 2026 (So Far)
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. In the first seven months of 2026, we’ve published more than 100 Tracker stories alone, covering everything from the new and the to the .
Congress Moves Forward on Two Food Labeling Bills
Congress Moves Forward on Two Food Labeling Bills Legislation pushing an overhaul of the U.S. food labeling requirements and putting warning labels on ultra-processed foods have been introduced or advanced in the Senate this month. July 31, 2026 – Senators are pushing for stronger labeling requirements on foods, including a warning label for ultra-processed foods and those containing non-nutritive sweeteners.
House Democrats To Investigate Taylor Farms’ Role in Cyclospora Outbreak
House Democrats To Investigate Taylor Farms’ Role in Cyclospora Outbreak One representative alleges the food company’s political donations could have been used to influence the ongoing food-borne illness investigation. July 27, 2026 – House Democrats are investigating the involvement of Taylor Farms in the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, citing concerns over potential political influence and attempts to mislead consumers.
What the Cyclospora Outbreak Says About the Food Safety System
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. As of July 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed more than 4,100 cases of cyclospora with an additional 7,400 likely cases yet to be confirmed. The outbreak spans 41 states and is being investigated as five clusters.
New Rule Ties Potential Green Card Approval to SNAP Benefits
New Rule Ties Potential Green Card Approval to SNAP Benefits Food advocates say the new rule could discourage eligible recipients in mixed status households from applying. July 20, 2026 – The Trump administration finalized an immigration rule last week that food access advocates say could have a chilling effect on immigrant households seeking federal benefits. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
‘My Shelves Are Very Empty’: How a Year of SNAP Cuts Is Pressuring the Food System
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. But her parents required around-the-clock care, it took her a year into caring for them before she was able to sleep through the night, making other employment nearly impossible.
Federal Officials Have Yet to Identify Source of Cyclosporiasis Spike
Federal Officials Have Yet to Identify Source of Cyclosporiasis Spike Health officials are urging consumers to take precautions when preparing and eating fresh produce, amid the ongoing food-borne illness outbreak. July 15, 2026 – Federal and state health officials have so far been unable to identify the main source of a foodborne illness outbreak that has infected an abnormally high number of Americans.
Indiana food banks to receive funding to fill nutrient gap
By Rebekah Alvey for Civil Eats. Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service reporting for the Civil Eats-Public News Service Collaboration The Trump administration announced this week efforts to bring more protein to families in need through food banks—in a policy with similar goals to local food programs cut earlier in the term.
USDA Releases Funding For Small-Scale Beef Processors
USDA Releases Funding For Small-Scale Beef Processors The new SPUR program is intended to keep small to mid-sized beef processors in business amid mounting economic challenges. July 7, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a program to keep small- to mid-sized beef processing plants running, as ranchers and processors face challenges on multiple fronts. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
Trump Declines to Renew Key North American Trade Deal
Trump Declines to Renew Key North American Trade Deal The agreement will now be up for renegotiation every year, which critics say will mean uncertainty for American farmers. July 7, 2026 – President Donald Trump has opted against renewing a key trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, in a decision that Democrats say will take away certainty for U.S. farmers. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
Judge Orders USDA to Restore Half of Cancelled Grants for Young Farmers
Judge Orders USDA to Restore Half of Cancelled Grants for Young Farmers The agency must now restore $127 million in federal contracts through the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program. July 1, 2026 – A federal court has ordered the Trump administration to restore 24 grants under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program (ILCMA), which were cancelled in March.
House Agriculture Chair Introduces Controversial Farm Labor Bill
House Agriculture Chair Introduces Controversial Farm Labor Bill Lawmakers hope the bill will help farmers facing a labor crisis, but farmworker groups say it will make it impossible for workers to afford basic necessities.
Trump Issues Executive Order Backing Regenerative Agriculture
Trump Issues Executive Order Backing Regenerative Agriculture While calling for a reduction of pesticide use in agriculture, the order adds no new funding to federal initiatives. June 30, 2026 – President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that primarily repackages previous administration announcements into a directive to federal agencies to “advance regenerative agriculture” practices.
How Corporate Consolidation Has Impacted Small Farmers
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. “If you look, it’s the same company. They just make us want to think we have choices,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund. This “illusion of choice,” as Maxwell calls it, is a result of consolidation in the food and agriculture space.
Federal Judge Blocks SNAP Food Restriction Policies
Federal Judge Blocks SNAP Food Restriction Policies In a win for recipients of food assistance, a District Court judge said the USDA did not follow proper procedure in approving SNAP waivers in five states. June 23, 2026 – A federal judge has blocked policies in five states that restricted what foods qualify for food assistance, scaling back one of the Make America Healthy Again movement’s key wins.
BREAKING: Senate Farm Bill Declines to Delay SNAP Funding Shift For States
BREAKING: Senate Farm Bill Declines to Delay SNAP Funding Shift For States Democrats have vowed to oppose a farm bill unless it scales back a significant shift in food-assistance funding, signaling an uphill battle for the already delayed legislation. June 23, 2026 – The Senate has issued its version of a 2026 Farm Bill, one that rejects calls from Democrats, state leaders, and anti-hunger advocates to delay a change to food assistance funding.
Bipartisan House Bill Would Ban Paraquat Pesticide
Bipartisan House Bill Would Ban Paraquat Pesticide Lawmakers introduced legislation last week that would federalize Vermont’s first-in-the nation ban on the commonly used chemical. June 22, 2026 – Lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill to federally ban the use of paraquat, an herbicide widely used in U.S. agriculture despite its potential health impacts. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
BREAKING: USDA Food and Nutrition Program Leader Leaves Role Amid Reorg
BREAKING: USDA Food and Nutrition Program Leader Leaves Role Amid Reorg Patrick Penn is changing positions, to be replaced by a political appointee. Advocates worry the ongoing USDA reorganization will impact school meals and food assistance programs.
USDA Claims SNAP Fraud Is Rampant. Here Are the Facts.
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. On Fox News in April, she said that 14,000 SNAP recipients were driving luxury vehicles, like Ferraris and Teslas, in just one state.
Senate Democrats Continue Push For Delay on SNAP Changes for States
Senate Democrats Continue Push For Delay on SNAP Changes for States Legislators see the farm bill as an opportunity to delay a major policy shift in food assistance, but Republicans say they are unlikely to budge. Democrats are pushing to remove a key policy change to federal food assistance as the Senate Agriculture Committee continues drafting its version of a farm bill. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
New World Screwworm Outbreak Leads Senate Dems to Push for USDA Action
New World Screwworm Outbreak Leads Senate Dems to Push for USDA Action Officials have reported at least seven cases of the pest in the United States, in an emerging threat to the beef industry. June 11, 2026 – Senate Democrats want the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do more to combat a recent outbreak of New World Screwworm (NWS) and to provide more transparency through the process.
New World Screwworm Returns to the U.S., Decades After Eradication
New World Screwworm Returns to the U.S., Decades After Eradication The pest does not pose a food safety risk to humans, but it is a threat to already strained U.S. cattle herds. June 5, 2026 – The federal government is urging cattle ranchers to take precautions to combat further spread of New World screwworm (NWS) flies, following the first domestic detection since the 1960s on Wednesday.
School Meal Advocates Caution Against ‘Scary’ USDA Reorganization
School Meal Advocates Caution Against ‘Scary’ USDA Reorganization USDA leaders continue to roll out details about the plan to relocate employees across the country, despite concerns about disruptions to food and nutrition programs. June 4, 2026 – Leaders of school meal organizations and former U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) heads say they are alarmed at the agency’s plan to relocate the employees who oversee 16 federal food and nutrition programs.
Trump Admin Commits $7.5 Million to Bring More Protein to Food Banks
Trump Admin Commits $7.5 Million to Bring More Protein to Food Banks The agreement to ‘close the protein gap’ comes after steep cuts to local food programs that connected farmers with food banks. May 21, 2026 – The Trump administration announced this week efforts to bring more protein to families in need through food banks—in a policy with similar goals to local food programs cut earlier in the term.
U.S. Seeks to Support Farmers with New China Trade Deal, Fertilizer Boosts
U.S. Seeks to Support Farmers with New China Trade Deal, Fertilizer Boosts China has agreed to buy billions of dollars in U.S. agricultural products, as the USDA seeks to address a fertilizer shortage. May 20, 2026 – U.S. officials made two announcements this week in efforts to address ongoing difficulties for farmers: to expand fertilizer production inside the U.S. and to increase the export of more agricultural goods to China.
How Do You Convince a First Grader to Like Peas? Teach Them.
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. The first lesson is on classification. A teacher sits in front of the students with illustrations of different kale leaves. These are all cousins, she explains, related but not identical, just like human cousins. Then the students break into groups.
Can MAHA Change the Way Medical Schools Teach Nutrition?
Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member. Enjoy unlimited access to our groundbreaking reporting, engage with experts, and connect with a community of changemakers. The administration had secured agreements with over 50 medical schools to provide at least 40 hours of nutrition education as part of a medical-school degree, Kennedy said—nearly a third of the roughly 160 accredited medical schools in the United States.
Critics Say New SNAP Rule Will Do Little to Increase Healthy Options
Critics Say New SNAP Rule Will Do Little to Increase Healthy Options The USDA finalized a rule updating the required kinds of foods retailers must offer if they want to sell to SNAP shoppers. May 7, 2026 – Retailers that accept food assistance benefits will have to double the amount of foods offered in-store under a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule, but public health advocates say it won’t boost healthy options.
Trump Withdraws Casey Means as Nominee for Surgeon General
Trump Withdraws Casey Means as Nominee for Surgeon General The president announced a new nominee for Surgeon General, in a blow to MAHA advocates who had pushed for Means’ confirmation. April 30, 2026 – President Donald Trump has withdrawn Casey Means as his second nominee for U.S. surgeon general, marking another setback for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
Democrats Ask USDA to Drop ‘Risky’ Meatpacking Proposal
Democrats Ask USDA to Drop ‘Risky’ Meatpacking Proposal Lawmakers wrote to the agency asking them to reverse course on proposed rulemaking that would permanently increase line speeds at poultry and pork processing facilities. April 30, 2026 – Congressional Democrats are asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reverse course on a proposed rule that would permanently increase line speeds at meatpacking facilities.
USDA Reorganization Expanded to Include Food Safety Inspection Service
USDA Reorganization Expanded to Include Food Safety Inspection Service Food safety experts worry that relocating inspectors could ‘fracture’ a critical arm of the agency. April 24, 2026 – In an update to its original reorganization plan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to move about two-thirds of its food safety workers out of Washington, D.C., raising alarms about further expertise losses in the agency.
As House Moves Closer to Farm Bill Vote, Food and Ag Groups Push Back
As House Moves Closer to Farm Bill Vote, Food and Ag Groups Push Back The next step forward for a proposed 2026 Farm Bill takes place on Monday, but opponents of the plan are making their concerns heard. April 24, 2026 – More than 300 farm and food groups are asking Congress to reject the House 2026 Farm Bill ahead of a potential floor vote next week. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
Bipartisan Group of House Lawmakers Push to Remove Pesticide Shield from Farm Bill
Bipartisan Group of House Lawmakers Push to Remove Pesticide Shield from Farm Bill The House is expected to vote on the 2026 Farm Bill as early as next week, though a Senate version remains unscheduled. April 22, 2026 – Republican and Democratic lawmakers have teamed up in an effort to maintain state authority on pesticide warnings and animal welfare laws in the House version of a farm bill.
Food and Farm Businesses Start Applying for Trump Tariff Refunds
Food and Farm Businesses Start Applying for Trump Tariff Refunds Businesses that rely on imported products could receive a refund within 90 days, but the process has hit hiccups. April 20, 2026 – Businesses can now apply to get money back from tariffs implemented by the Trump administration that were recently struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Unlock the Full Story with a Civil Eats Membership Expand your understanding of food systems as a Civil Eats member.
Will ‘Product of the USA’ Give Cattle Ranchers a Boost?
Will ‘Product of the USA’ Give Cattle Ranchers a Boost? After the Biden administration closed a loophole in beef labeling, small cattle producers hope the Trump USDA will go further. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins speaks with the press, before she and a small group of National Finals Rodeo winners met U.S. President Donald Trump and toured the White House in March.
SNAP Participation Has Dropped Since Passage of Republican Tax Bill
SNAP Participation Has Dropped Since Passage of Republican Tax Bill A recent analysis shows 2.5 million fewer people are using federal food assistance, but experts say the need for aid is likely still there. April 13, 2026 – The number of people participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dropped by 2.5 million people in the first six months after the passage of major policy changes to the program, a new report concludes.
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