Alkon Article - Sorrel

    One of the aspects I really liked about this article is that it provides three concrete ways to improve our food system—worker ownership, workers’ rights campaigns, and restricting bad actors' influence. Often, when I read about social movements, the focus is on criticizing the issues rather than offering viable solutions. This article stands out by presenting clear alternatives for reform.

    A key takeaway for me was the article’s definition of food justice: “the struggle against racism, exploitation, and oppression taking place within the food system that addresses inequality’s root causes both within and beyond the food chain.” This definition highlights how food justice is deeply connected with broader social issues, reinforcing the idea that improving our food system could help address many other inequalities. However, I wonder whether the neoliberal approach is the best way forward. It feels overly optimistic, relying on the assumption that people will collectively make the "right" choices when, in reality, power imbalances and economic structures make this unlikely.

    This connects to my skepticism about the “market-as-movement” approach, particularly the idea of "voting with our forks." While this philosophy might work in some countries, I don’t think it would be effective in the United States. Many Americans either lack access to information about healthy food or simply do not have the financial means to make health-conscious choices. Additionally, if our food system is left to market forces, those with the most money will inevitably have the most influence—allowing major corporations to continue prioritizing profit over consumer well-being.

    This article also raises important questions about how our food system disproportionately benefits large corporations while harming everyone else. Even non-minority consumers suffer from the current system, whether through limited access to truly fresh and nutritious food, inflated prices, or societal pressures fueled by diet culture. The sustainability movement aims to address these issues, but it also introduces a dilemma: if sustainable agriculture improves conditions for farmers, should their products be more expensive? And if so, how can we ensure that low-income individuals still have access to fresh, healthy food? I wish the article had explored this further.

    Something that this article made me think about is the impact of political policies on farmers who rely on immigrant labor. Many of these farmers likely depend on undocumented workers, and mass deportation policies could create a labor shortage, potentially leading to a food crisis. This raises broader questions about how immigration policies intersect with food justice and labor rights, emphasizing the need for solutions that protect both workers and food security.

    In terms of solutions, I really liked the example of the Mandela Foods Cooperative. Community-led initiatives like this seem to be a promising way forward, as they prioritize local needs and collective ownership rather than corporate profit. Leaning into community-driven models could be one of the most effective ways to create a more just and sustainable food system.