Education
Simon studied biology at Carnegie Mellon University and received her master’s degree in public health from Yale University and her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Simon studied biology at Carnegie Mellon University and received her master’s degree in public health from Yale University and her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Her work has been featured on Consumer News and Business Channel, Columbia Broadcasting System News, The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, Reuters, and Forbes. She has written extensively on the politics of food, and her first book, Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back, was published by Nation Books in 2006. Simon also researches and writes about the alcohol industry.
Early in her career, Simon wrote about the politics of food for numerous publications, on such issues as genetically engineered foods, organic standards, and the National School Lunch Program.
In 2000, Simon founded the non-profit organization, Center for Informed Food Choices to educate people about eating plant-based foods and the politics of food through her newsletter, Informed Eating. From 2007 to 2011, Simon served as research and policy director for the Marin Institute (now called Alcohol Justice), an alcohol industry watchdog group based in Northern California.
Simon testified before Congress in support of Human Resources 5034, the Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Enforcement Acting. Simon founded Eat Drink Politics in 2011, a food and alcohol industry watchdog consulting firm that helps advocates, policymakers, and others counter corporate tactics that undermine public health.
The firm’s clients include Center for Food Safety, Corporate Accountability International, and Reese Richman.
Simon currently serves on the steering committee for the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.