What do you think?
Rate this book
Reaping What She Sows: How Women Are Rebuilding Our Broken Food System
A James Beard award winner exposes the Big Food system, highlights the women on the ground fighting back, and asks a simple, but evergreen question–how should we eat…
When the Covid-19 pandemic ripped through global food supply chains, it threatened the livelihoods of farmers, created shortages in supermarkets, and revealed a startling truth to the food system is broken, and large corporations did the breaking. An idea began to take hold–what if we could return to a time when our needs were met by the farmers in our own communities, rather than a commodity, Big Food system that favors profit above all else?
With in-depth, on the ground reporting, Nancy Matsumoto introduces readers to the women changemakers who are building out local and regional supply chains to combat the destructive effects of Big from the founder of a women-led rice cooperative who is fighting Black land loss, to the Indigenous women who own and operate the first kelp hatchery on the American east coast, and more.
Reaping What She Sows offers a blueprint for what eating enjoyably, sustainably, and ethically looks like today. Essential for those who are concerned about climate change, their own health, and the lack of choice and transparency in the global food supply chain.
When the Covid-19 pandemic ripped through global food supply chains, it threatened the livelihoods of farmers, created shortages in supermarkets, and revealed a startling truth to the food system is broken, and large corporations did the breaking. An idea began to take hold–what if we could return to a time when our needs were met by the farmers in our own communities, rather than a commodity, Big Food system that favors profit above all else?
With in-depth, on the ground reporting, Nancy Matsumoto introduces readers to the women changemakers who are building out local and regional supply chains to combat the destructive effects of Big from the founder of a women-led rice cooperative who is fighting Black land loss, to the Indigenous women who own and operate the first kelp hatchery on the American east coast, and more.
Reaping What She Sows offers a blueprint for what eating enjoyably, sustainably, and ethically looks like today. Essential for those who are concerned about climate change, their own health, and the lack of choice and transparency in the global food supply chain.
- GenresNonfictionFood
336 pages, Hardcover
Published October 28, 2025
17 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Matsumoto
7 books5 followersNancy Matsumoto is a James Beard award-winning writer and editor who specializes in the areas of regenerative agriculture, food, saké, arts and culture. She has been a contributor to The Wall Street Journal, Time, Newsweek, TheAtlantic.com, People, Food & Wine, Saveur, The Los Angeles Times, Civil Eats, and NPR, among other publications.
Her next book, “Reaping What She Sows: How Women Are Rebuilding Our Broken Food System,” is due out from Melville House Publishing on October 28, 2025.
“By the Shore of Lake Michigan,” a translation of a book of Japanese tanka poetry by Nancy’s grandparents, Tomiko and Ryokuyō Matsumoto, in collaboration with translators Mariko Aratani and Kyoko Miyabe, was published in October 2024 by UCLA Asian American Studies Center Press.
Nancy’s book "Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake: Rice, Water, Earth," co-written with Michael Tremblay, was awarded a James Beard book award in 2023, was longlisted for the UK's André Simon 2022 food and drink book awards, and named a top 10 finalist for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2023 Spirited Awards.
Other books include "Displaced: Manzanar 1942-1945, " "Unforgotten: Voices From Heart Mountain: An Oral History of the Incarceration," co-written with Joanne Oppenheim.
Her next book, “Reaping What She Sows: How Women Are Rebuilding Our Broken Food System,” is due out from Melville House Publishing on October 28, 2025.
“By the Shore of Lake Michigan,” a translation of a book of Japanese tanka poetry by Nancy’s grandparents, Tomiko and Ryokuyō Matsumoto, in collaboration with translators Mariko Aratani and Kyoko Miyabe, was published in October 2024 by UCLA Asian American Studies Center Press.
Nancy’s book "Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake: Rice, Water, Earth," co-written with Michael Tremblay, was awarded a James Beard book award in 2023, was longlisted for the UK's André Simon 2022 food and drink book awards, and named a top 10 finalist for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2023 Spirited Awards.
Other books include "Displaced: Manzanar 1942-1945, " "Unforgotten: Voices From Heart Mountain: An Oral History of the Incarceration," co-written with Joanne Oppenheim.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The book offers fascinating insights into the world of alternative means of producing food - alternative as compared to huge conglomerates and companies with long production chains. The author takes a look at a number of mostly women-headed outfits (farms, cooperatives) to show that other options for food production are possible. It frequently turns out that they are rooted in traditional knowledge and ancestral ways of farming. There is also an interesting chapter on preserving seeds of heirloom varieties of crops and vegetables. Overall, the book is hugely informative and detailed. Recommended for everyone wanting to learn more about where their food comes from (and what they can do to make their eating habits more sustainable).
The book offers fascinating insights into the world of alternative means of producing food - alternative as compared to huge conglomerates and companies with long production chains. The author takes a look at a number of mostly women-headed outfits (farms, cooperatives) to show that other options for food production are possible. It frequently turns out that they are rooted in traditional knowledge and ancestral ways of farming. There is also an interesting chapter on preserving seeds of heirloom varieties of crops and vegetables. Overall, the book is hugely informative and detailed. Recommended for everyone wanting to learn more about where their food comes from (and what they can do to make their eating habits more sustainable).
November 9, 2025
Nancy Matsumoto has written a powerful book about where our food comes from and what we can do to support environmentally sustainable, ethical, small businesses. She writes about "woman leaders of the alt food system who are forging a way of feeding the world that is more climate resilient, transparent, nutritious, and equitable." Our job is finding these products to put on our tables: REAPING WHAT SHE SOWS provides a good roadmap for making these decisions. This is a well-researched, fascinating read as Nancy describes her visits to these heroic 'mom and pop' companies around the world. Highly recommend.
November 12, 2025
I have learned so much, made changes in food purchases, and am feeling very good about being part of small food chains.
August 16, 2025
I really really enjoyed this book. It's a fascinating exploration of our country's (broken) food system and what women are doing to change things for the better.
Every story was compelling, but one that really stuck with me was one farmer grieving her pig that was culled. It was just refreshing to hear about the love a farmer had for her animals in the age of factory farming.
Ive always been interested in alternative agriculture practices and what we can learn from them. I love that Nancy Matsumoto not only tells us about how these woman are forging their own way, but also gives advice on how we can support them and fight against Big Food in our own ways.
Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go try to buy a whole or half cow from a local farmer.
(I received an advance copy of this book, given without the requirement to review. My opinions are unbiased and my own)
Every story was compelling, but one that really stuck with me was one farmer grieving her pig that was culled. It was just refreshing to hear about the love a farmer had for her animals in the age of factory farming.
Ive always been interested in alternative agriculture practices and what we can learn from them. I love that Nancy Matsumoto not only tells us about how these woman are forging their own way, but also gives advice on how we can support them and fight against Big Food in our own ways.
Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go try to buy a whole or half cow from a local farmer.
(I received an advance copy of this book, given without the requirement to review. My opinions are unbiased and my own)
August 25, 2025
Ms. Matsuomoto dives deep into our existing food and supply chain issues, what's not working, and showcases small farmers trying to do things differently so that things can be more sustainable for the future. If you need a bit of hope these days, this is a place to find it.
July 22, 2025
*This book was received as an Advanced Reviewer's Copy from NetGalley.
When you think of a farm, you might still think of an idyllic place in the country where the cows are all black and white spotted (like the old Gateway boxes), the chickens are laying eggs, and the farmer is out on his tractor. His. Let's be honest, that's the first thought there for most people.
But that is changing as women are becoming the main driving force of family farms. While the conglomerates are still out there (and becoming bigger and bigger all the time), there has been a rise in farming, especially for heritage and specialty products, and women are driving a big part of that.
This book explores our food system and the different women pioneers that are helping to shape it. From wheat to corn, cows to chickens, and off into the sea for the fishing industry (and kelp, and other things), women are taking the lead and helping to create good balance and restore some balance to the environment.
I found all of the stories pretty compelling, along with learning about the efforts that are being made to be more environmentally friendly in the production of farmed goods. Notably, I enjoyed seeing how not only the farming was an important aspect, but the distribution and economic forces that help shape farming are also being reinvigorated by women.
Buy local, thank a farmer. There's a lot to take from this book.
Review by M. Reynard 2025
When you think of a farm, you might still think of an idyllic place in the country where the cows are all black and white spotted (like the old Gateway boxes), the chickens are laying eggs, and the farmer is out on his tractor. His. Let's be honest, that's the first thought there for most people.
But that is changing as women are becoming the main driving force of family farms. While the conglomerates are still out there (and becoming bigger and bigger all the time), there has been a rise in farming, especially for heritage and specialty products, and women are driving a big part of that.
This book explores our food system and the different women pioneers that are helping to shape it. From wheat to corn, cows to chickens, and off into the sea for the fishing industry (and kelp, and other things), women are taking the lead and helping to create good balance and restore some balance to the environment.
I found all of the stories pretty compelling, along with learning about the efforts that are being made to be more environmentally friendly in the production of farmed goods. Notably, I enjoyed seeing how not only the farming was an important aspect, but the distribution and economic forces that help shape farming are also being reinvigorated by women.
Buy local, thank a farmer. There's a lot to take from this book.
Review by M. Reynard 2025
January 9, 2026
This is a really informative book that was a really interesting read. It taught me a lot about the realities of where food comes from. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Nancy Matsumoto, Melville House Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2025
I'm thankful to have received an early copy of this compelling book! Nancy travels across the country to document how women led farmers and others in the food industry are creating sustainable local and regional supply chains. They're committed to generating a food system that is good for our health, animals and the planet. I learned so much about the farming and fishing industry and it was so interesting even though I didn't know much about this topic going into the book. I'm excited for people to read this!
January 12, 2026
5 stars for the research alone, which is an unbelievable feat. Matsumoto got truly ~in the weeds~ visiting and interviewing every small-scale alt-food producer she mentions to learn their story, see how they operate, and write about it (dream job). She spares no details and sometimessss (I’m sorry Nancy) it read even a little textbook-y for me, but overall I think she presents engaging narratives and more than anything it feels like a body of hopeful evidence that independent actions do matter.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews