re: Taxing food.
I would expect exemptions for certain necessities under any consumption tax that presumed to be fair. The GST (goods and services tax) in Canada does not apply to basic groceries (but restaurant and snack food pays), medical supplies and services, child care costs, and long-term care accommodation, among others. As well, low income individuals get a quarterly GST rebate - about $85 for my student daughters. BC PST (provincial sales tax) is not charged on food (for humans), medical supplies, used clothing, books and magazines, insulation, smoke alarms, bicycles, work safety equipment, child car seats, life jackets, etc.
Not perfect, but it seems to be working reasonably well. We pay income tax, too, of course.