Civil Eats

Civil Eats stands as a beacon of independent, non-profit journalism dedicated to providing critical thought and insightful reporting on the multifaceted American food system. Founded in January 2009 by Naomi Starkman and Paul Crossfield (who left in 2014, with Starkman continuing as executive director), it has grown from a passionate endeavor into an award-winning digital news organization with a profound influence on national conversations around food, agriculture, and environmental justice. In a media landscape increasingly dominated by soundbites and corporate interests, Civil Eats distinguishes itself by offering nuanced, solutions-oriented, and in-depth reporting that holds powerful actors accountable and amplifies diverse voices.

A Mission Rooted in Justice and Sustainability:

The core mission of Civil Eats is to publish stories that actively "shift the conversation around sustainable agriculture in an effort to build economically and socially just communities." This mission statement encapsulates their commitment to examining the food system through lenses of equity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. They believe that understanding the complexities of how food is grown, processed, distributed, and consumed is essential for fostering a healthier planet and more equitable societies. Their dedication to food justice has been central to their reporting since their inception, making them a unique and vital voice in the media landscape.

Civil Eats Salon: How to Create and Sustain Food Mutual Aid

Key Reporting Areas and Editorial Principles:

Civil Eats covers a vast and intricate array of issues within the U.S. food system, extending its reach from Capitol Hill to Main Street, and delving into the lives of farmers, farmworkers, consumers, and policymakers. Their reporting often focuses on:

1. Sustainable Agriculture: This includes exploring regenerative farming practices, organic agriculture, agroecology, soil health, water conservation, and climate change impacts on food production. They highlight innovative solutions and the challenges faced by farmers striving for more environmentally sound methods.
2. Food Justice and Equity: Civil Eats is renowned for its unparalleled commitment to reporting on food justice. They examine how the food system disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, including people of color, immigrant communities, and low-income populations. This involves covering issues such as food access, food deserts, fair labor practices for farmworkers, and the socioeconomic barriers to healthy eating.
3. Indigenous Foodways: A particularly important and unique focus for Civil Eats is their dedicated reporting on Indigenous foodways and food sovereignty. They actively highlight the traditional ecological knowledge, resilience, and efforts of Native American communities to reclaim and revitalize their ancestral food systems, recognizing the deep cultural and environmental significance of these practices. This commitment led them to establish an Indigenous Foodways Fellowship in 2021 and receive funding from the First Nations Development Institute.
4. Corporate Power and Policy: The organization critically investigates the influence of corporate power, money, and control within the food system. This includes exposing monopolies, analyzing the impact of large agricultural and food companies on farmers and consumers, and scrutinizing government policies (such as the Farm Bill, trade agreements, and regulatory decisions) that shape the agricultural landscape. They launched an investigative reporting desk in 2022 specifically to dig into these complex and often underreported stories.
5. Health, Nutrition, and Public Health: Civil Eats examines the connections between food, diet, and public health, including issues like ultra-processed foods, foodborne illnesses, the role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases, and the impact of environmental toxins in our food supply.
6. Animal Welfare: They also address topics related to animal agriculture, covering issues of animal welfare, factory farming, and sustainable alternatives to conventional livestock production.

Civil Eats prides itself on its rigorous editorial standards. They require extensive linking and citing in all their stories, emphasizing factual accuracy and journalistic integrity. While they cover a broad range of topics, they explicitly state what they don't publish: product/restaurant reviews, general culinary food trends, or straight-up advocacy. Their goal is to report news in the context of larger questions about how to make the food system more just, sustainable, and humane, always striving for multiple perspectives and nuanced storytelling. They are also committed to featuring diverse voices, particularly those whose stories often go unheard in mainstream media.

Operational Model and Funding:

As a non-profit news organization (a California 501(c)(3) entity), Civil Eats operates without venture capital funding or traditional advertising. This independent model allows them to maintain editorial autonomy and focus solely on their mission. Their financial sustainability is primarily driven by:

• A successful membership program: Launched in 2015, this program allows readers to directly support their journalism, fostering a strong community of engaged readers who believe in their work.
• Philanthropic grants and special funding: They receive support from various foundations and organizations dedicated to journalism, environmental issues, and social justice. For instance, they have received funding for investigations from entities like the Pulitzer Center and Internews' Earth Journalism Network.

Impact and Recognition:

Since its inception, Civil Eats has garnered significant recognition and numerous accolades, solidifying its reputation as a leading voice in food journalism:

• Awards and Honors: They were named the James Beard Foundation's Publication of the Year in 2014, inducted into the Library of Congress in 2019, and received the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) digital media award for Best Group Food Blog in 2020. Their investigative reporting has received multiple awards and nominations, including repeat James Beard Media Award nominations for Investigative Reporting and Health Reporting. They have also been recognized by the Online News Association (ONA) for General Excellence in Online Journalism and for their newsletter, "The Deep Dish." Their reporters have won awards from the National Association of Agricultural Journalists and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
• Influencing National Conversation: By consistently breaking important news and providing in-depth analysis, Civil Eats plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and educating leaders and policymakers about critical issues within the food system. Their nuanced, solutions-oriented reporting often serves as an invaluable resource for mainstream media outlets.
• Community Building: Through their membership program, newsletters (like the award-winning "The Deep Dish," which delves into a single topic each month), social media engagement, and online video salons, Civil Eats actively fosters a strong community of readers and contributors who are passionate about food system change.

In essence, Civil Eats is more than just a news website; it is a vital journalistic institution that champions transparency, accountability, and justice in the American food system. By rigorously investigating complex issues and providing a platform for diverse voices and solutions, it empowers readers to understand the profound impact of food on their lives, communities, and the planet, inspiring informed action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.