Urban Food Policy Forum: Litigation as a Strategy for Defending and Advancing Food Policy

Calorie or food labeling, misleading food advertising, taxes on sugary beverages, eligibility requirements for public food benefits—all these and more are food policy debates that have reached the court room for resolution. Food and nutrition advocates, government officials and the food industry have each used litigation to advance their food policy objectives. This panel discussion will explore the advantages and disadvantages of litigation as a strategy for policy change and promoting food equity. It will also explore the role of litigation in defending food policies that The Trump Administration or Congress are seeking to reverse. A discussion will follow the panel. PANELISTS Peter Lehner, Senior Strategic Advisor, Senior Attorney, Earth Justice. Thomas Merrill, General Counsel for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Margaret Brown, Staff Attorney, New York Program, Natural Resources Defense Council.