Vote yes for the right to food constitutional amendment (Question 3)

To the Editor;

While the right to food may seem like a “no-brainer” to most people, it should not be taken for granted. We have dear, personal friends (in another state) who almost lost their farms and livelihood because of government overreach. In each case, the underlying cause of the state

government’s actions was due to heavily-funded corporate interests influencing policy-making and regulation for their own interests, not those of the citizens.

Regarding Question 3, we often hear “Why do we need this? Of course we can grow/raise/eat the food of our choosing!” The reality is that, unfortunately, the right to food is not secured as such in our constitution. Policy can be swayed, laws can change, and enforcement can be unfair. What we assume to be a “right” now, may not be so in the future. Once that’s gone, guess how difficult it will be to get it back.

Voting yes on Question 3 on the ballot this November is important because it adds a layer of protection for all of us, not just to farmers and producers, but also to consumers. How fitting that Maine, the Dirigo state, would be leading the way as the first to have a right to food in its state constitution!

Brooke Isham and Steve DeGoosh

LOMAH Farmstead Sangerville