Reforming markets for equitable access to food

Flint farmers market_Michigan Municipal League

Diversifying the ownership and control of the food system through a combination of policy, antitrust enforcement, and purchasing choices can reverse the social, environmental and human health damage caused by the consolidation of the food system.

Designed for busy health professionals, this resource provides an overview of food corporate consolidation practices and how to engage in timely policy discussions as Congress prepares to debate the Farm Bill.

Reasons to act

  • Consolidation can reduce access to healthy foods by increasing prices and reducing market responsiveness.
  • Consolidated food system control has damaging effects on community strength and civic culture and has lead to the breakdown of local communities.
  • Consolidation leads to job loss while reducing wages and safety standards for food system workers and increasing poverty-associated health impacts.