We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Eurasia Group and its affiliates, including GZERO Media, to clarify the types of data we collect, how we collect it, how we use data and with whom we share data. By using our website you consent to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence, and our use of cookies described in our Cookie Policy.
With just a few companies controlling the vast majority of beef, pork and poultry processing in the US, the nation's meat supply chain was already vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of the system and threatens to disrupt the entire industry, from farmers to processing plants to grocery store shelves.
This week, GZERO World with Ian Bremmer explores two sides of America's current food crisis: Infections and supply chain disruption that have shuttered plants, and growing food insecurity caused by soaring unemployment. Food banks are reporting a 70% increase in demand from communities while farmers are forced to dump milk or let animal products go to waste.
Our guest, Tom Vilsack, knows both sides of the story from experience. As former Governor of Iowa, farming and agriculture were key areas of policy and politics. Later, as President Obama's Sec. of Agriculture, he was tasked with managing the national issues of food supply and demand. Now, as a board member of Feeding America, he sees firsthand the need for more aid to working families who can't make ends meet in this pandemic.