What Do Fossil Fuels, Tariffs, and Climate Policy Have to Do With Your Grocery Bill?!

At first glance, you might not think that high-level energy conferences or global climate summits have anything to do with the cost of groceries in your neighborhood. But scratch the surface of trade talk, tariff uncertainty, and climate retreats, and a clear connection emerges: our food system is deeply intertwined with energy and policy—and right now, it's weird.

Last week’s CERAWeek energy summit, where energy executives and political leaders gathered in Houston, was packed with behind-the-scenes debates about trade, tariffs, and the future of oil and gas. While many of those sessions felt removed from everyday life, they matter more than you might think, especially when it comes to food access and affordability.

Energy Policy Drives Food Prices

Farmers don’t grow food in a vacuum, (I wish they could kind of like the Spy Kids Movie)—they rely on energy. From fertilizer production (which is heavily tied to natural gas), to fuel for farm equipment, to the transportation of food across the country, energy costs directly influence the price of what’s on your plate. That means when oil and gas prices fluctuate, so does your grocery bill.

Add in uncertainty around trade policies—like new tariffs or international sanctions—and it becomes even more complex. If the U.S. imposes tariffs on countries that supply fertilizer or food imports, those countries may retaliate, increasing costs or limiting supply. These are the kinds of behind-the-scenes conversations that are happening right now—and we need to be paying attention.

Climate Policy Isn’t Just About Emissions—It’s About Food Justice

At the same time, we’re seeing mixed signals from climate policy leaders. NASA just cut its climate science office, and debates rage on about whether the U.S. should invest in oil and gas or fully transition to renewables. Brazil, preparing to host COP30 in the Amazon, is pushing for more attention on forests and carbon sinks—highlighting how natural ecosystems play a role in slowing climate change.

But for many families, especially those relying on programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), climate impacts are already affecting daily life. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events reduce crop yields, increase food scarcity, and make it harder for families to put healthy food on the table.

That’s why local food justice solutions—like the Food Bucks Program in Pennsylvania—are so important. Food Bucks help SNAP shoppers stretch their food dollars by offering incentives for buying fruits and vegetables: spend $5 with SNAP, get $2 extra for produce. It’s a win for families, farmers, and public health.

Healthy Food Incentives: A Local Fix in a Global Storm

While global leaders and energy execs argue about trade policy and oil investments, advocates in Pennsylvania are focused on real solutions. Expanding healthy food incentives like Food Bucks could help offset the rising costs driven by energy markets and climate change.

Bottom Line: Everything Is Connected

From fossil fuels to forest preservation, from SNAP incentives to supply chains—our food system is shaped by energy, trade, and climate policy. If we want to create a more equitable, affordable, and sustainable food future, we need to stay engaged at every level.

Whether you're a shopper trying to make your SNAP dollars go further, a climate advocate pushing for bold action, or a concerned citizen reading the headlines—this moment calls for paying attention, raising your voice, and supporting solutions that nourish both people and the planet.

Food is political. Energy is personal.