The Next Big Idea A Food Crisis Is Brewing. Are We Ready?
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Oct 16, 2025 
In an eye-opening discussion, Sam Kass, former senior food policy advisor to President Obama and author of The Last Supper, dives deep into the looming food crisis. He highlights the shocking vulnerability of our food supply due to climate change affecting everything from almonds to chocolate. Cass argues that fixing our food system could unite us, emphasizing the need for culture-driven policy shifts. He shares insights on promising agricultural technologies like CRISPR and AI, while maintaining a cautious optimism about our ability to overcome these challenges.
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Family Dinners In The White House
- Sam described simple White House family dinners that created normalcy: one dish, a grain, and a vegetable at 6:30 pm.
- Obama made a point to leave global responsibilities at the door and be fully present at family meals.
Food As A Unifying Narrative
- Food can be a unifying national project because everyone eats and cares about it.
- Framing climate through everyday foods like coffee, chocolate, and wine makes the issue tangible and motivating.
Start With Culture To Drive System Change
- Change culture first to shift company and political behavior, since businesses respond to consumer values and voters.
- Pair cultural work with policies and business engagement rather than blaming individuals for food choices.
