There are complex issues in the U.S. food system that will continue to negatively impact sustainability, social justice and public health in the future. These complex issues can only be addressed with support from consumers and communities, and by local and federal public policies. Because sustainability, social justice and public health are intertwined, addressing the multiple issues in our food system benefits all of us. Change begins at the local level, but will not succeed without federal support through nutrition education and programs, food and farm policies, and the political will to put the public’s health and safety first. Currently, the U.S. food system is not sustainable, equitable or healthy.

“The United States spends $1.1 trillion a year on food. But when the impacts of the food system on different parts of our society — including rising health care costs, climate change and biodiversity loss — are factored in, the bill is around three times that, according to a report by the Rockefeller Foundation, a private charity that funds medical and agricultural research” (Reiley).

“The world is in the midst of a major shift in dietary patterns, often termed the “global dietary transition” or “global nutrition transition”… Characteristics of the dietary transition are higher intakes of refined grains, sugar and animal products, coinciding with increased consumption of processed foods and prepared meals; higher frequency of eating outside the home – particularly in fast food restaurants; and increased intake of edible oils and sugar-sweetened beverages. The US has led the way in the dietary transition, with rising obesity levels following in its wake. Today, ultra-processed foods account for nearly 60 per cent of calories and 90 per cent of added sugars in American diets” (Cook).

Researchers for UNC at Chapel-Hill’s Global Food Research Program claim, “Ultra-processed food is the food category most linked to obesity and non-communicable diseases.. From the work we’ve done, we see two main issues: increasing the consumption of healthy food and reducing ultra-processed foods… Unfortunately, right now, the aggressive marketing and pricing of ultra-processed foods are major barriers to achieving the goal of healthy diets for all. Policies to transform the food system are needed in order to promote health equity” (For a healthier world, target ultra-processed foods).

“Multiple studies have confirmed that African American, Native American, and Latinx people in the United States are significantly less likely to live near a retailer selling fresh, healthy food. This difference is deadly: rates of diabetes and other metabolic diseases are also higher in communities of color, and these two phenomena are related… [But] unequal healthy food access is a problem with multiple dimensions. Effective solutions will need to address all of them—and… it’s important that community voices play a leading role in framing them” (Food Justice).