The Center for Food and Environment is involved in policy work on various levels. Isobel Contento served on the Institute of Medicine Committee that released the Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools: Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth that set of nutritional standards for "competitive" foods and drinks available in schools. The standards promote consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat dairy products and limit the amount of saturated fat, salt, added sugars, and total calories. The standards also restrict the sale of caffeinated items.

The Center for Food and Environment has also endorsed the Seeking Balance in U.S. Farm and Food Policy and is actively involved in campaigning to New York representative of Congress on the Farm Bill.