The DC Section of Institute of Food Technologists (DC-IFT) is hosting “Food Policy Impact 2025,” a two-day event that will dive into the future of food policies and their impact on food, nutrition, and health. Designed for policy makers, industry professionals, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the impact modern food policies are having on the world of food and nutrition, the event is being held April 29-30 at Arent Fox LLP in Washington, D.C.

Representatives from across the federal government, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), will provide updates on policy priorities, including the implications of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Panel sessions will highlight hot topics in the sector, from ultra-processed foods to state and federal actions on food additives. 

“More than ever before, food and nutrition policy is in the national spotlight, with a constantly evolving landscape raising big questions about what’s ahead. Food Policy Impact 2025 offers a timely opportunity to hear from leading experts, explore key challenges and opportunities, and better understand how policy shapes what’s on our plates,” says Allie Graham, president of DC-IFT and VP of food and nutrition policy at Food Directions. “With so much happening in the field, it’s more important than ever to come together, share ideas, and connect. Food Policy Impact offers the perfect opportunity to do just that.”

Day one will include the keynote, “Communicating Science Amongst Controversy and Misinformation,” from Laura Lindenfeld, dean of the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University, followed by updates on government activities from federal regulators. The day will conclude with an update on 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as well as a Congressional Update on MAHA Caucus and Farm Bill activities. 

On day two, D.C. food policy insider Helena Bottemiller Evich from Food Fix will host a session on “Future Directions in Food.” The day will also involve multiple panel discussions on a range of topics, including: 

• Alcohol, drugs, and ultra-processed foods: Understanding the drivers of desire, intake, and “addiction” 
• State Activity vs. Federal Under the Trump Admin – Food colors, sweeteners, and additives: What’s next?
• Tariffs, Trade, Immigration – Impacts on Food and Agriculture
• Understanding SNAP Restrictions 

General admission tickets are $225 and $75 for IFT student members. Space is limited. To register, click here. 

Last year, the Washington, D.C. Section won the IFT Impact Award for Advocacy and Public Policy last year for its work around advocacy and public policy. Specifically, IFT-DC was recognized for its highly successful Food Policy Impact Summit in 2024 that featured more than 100 attendees and 26 speakers and panelists.

IFT Sections allow food science professionals to network with their local peers through a variety of events and opportunities. IFT has 46 Sections spread across the U.S., as well as Mexico, Japan, England, and Canada. To learn more about joining an IFT Section, go to ift.org/community/regional-sections. To become an IFT member and gain access to numerous networking opportunities and educational resources, go to ift.org/membership. 

Related: IFT releases new sugar reduction resources