Food First

Honoring Cesar Chavez
The Fight for Food Workers' Rights Continues
Click Here March 31 is Cesar Chavez Day, a day to honor the farmworker, labor leader, and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, who dedicated his life to fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity for farmworkers from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Join us in celebrating his life and selfless contributions to improve the rights, wages, and working conditions for all farm workers.

Click here for our full tribute highlighting the extraordinary leadership of Cesar Chavez.
National Farmworker Awareness Week
Honoring Those Who Feed Us
As we recognize National Farmworker Awareness Week, we salute all farmers who grow food responsibly, ensuring that harmful toxins from chemicals and pesticides don’t pass along to consumers.

This week, we pay special tribute to small farmers, urban farmers, community farming cooperatives, and backyard growers whose efforts strengthen local food systems and build community resilience. Their dedication to growing sustainable, just, and equitable food to feed their local communities plays a critical role in the fight for local food sovereignty and a healthier future for all.
Where Food
Justice Grows
The Institute for Food and Development Policy, better known as Food First, works to end the injustices that cause hunger through research, education and action. Support Food First
Get involved with Food First and become part of a passionate community dedicated to making a significant difference. Join hands with us and be a catalyst for positive change as we fight against food injustices. Get Involved National Agriculture Week
Celebrating the Hands that Feed Us
National Agriculture Week is a crucial time to recognize the dedication of those who feed us. While large-scale industrial agriculture often takes center stage, we want to shine a light on the often-overlooked heroes: small farmers, urban growers, community cooperatives, and backyard gardeners.

These individuals are the backbone of sustainable food systems, prioritizing practices that ensure food sovereignty and climate resilience. And just as importantly they are members of local communities across America that are committed to providing fresh nourishing food to all of their neighbors!
Food First

Our Vision

The Institute for Food and Development Policy, better known as Food First, envisions a world in which all people have access to healthy, ecologically produced, and culturally appropriate food.  

After 40 years of analysis of the global food system, we know that making this vision a reality involves more than technical solutions — it requires action and political transformation. That’s why Food First supports activists, social movements, alliances, and coalitions working for systemic change. 

Ethnic teen harvesting apples with mother in farm
Food First

Our Mission

The mission of Food First is to end the injustices that cause hunger.

Our work—including action-oriented research, publications, and projects — gives you the tools to understand the global food system, build your local food movement, and engage with the global movement for food sovereignty. As a people’s think and do tank,” we are dedicated to ending the injustices that cause hunger and supporting communities to take back control of their food systems. We advance our mission through three interrelated work areas: research, education and action. These work areas are designed to promote informed citizen engagement with the institutions and policies that control our food and to integrate local, national and global efforts. For 40+ years our work informed by a vast network of activist-researchers, supported communities and social movements at the forefront of change in the food system. Our goal, now, is to not only continue that legacy, but to broaden our actions aimed at amplifying BIPOC-led voices in the communities and movements that expose the root causes of hunger, mobilize local food system implementation strategies, and advance real solutions.

Our Team

Our Team

Food First Staff

Food First prides itself on assembling a dedicated and diverse team of professionals who are passionate about creating a positive impact in the fight for the food sovereignty. Our staff members are a vibrant tapestry of talents, experiences, and expertise, united by a shared commitment. From marketing wizards to logistics maestros, our business-minded professionals work tirelessly to ensure seamless operations for the organization. View our Staff Members.
Board of Directors

Food First’s Board of Directors is composed primarily of community-based activists who ensure that the organization’s work remains focused on the issues that matter most to people’s daily lives. View all the Board Members.

Fellows

A talented group of early career thought leaders dedicating their careers to supporting grassroots struggles and advancing the global movement for food sovereignty.

consultants

Our consultants are talented and highly qualified professionals that support Food First with the coordination of fundraising, social media, and administrative duties. View all the Consultants.

Contact Us

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