FOOD, INC. 2 Uncovers the Costs of America’s Corporate-Controlled Food System

October 18, 2024

FOOD, INC. 2 Comes Back for Seconds

Released earlier this year, FOOD, INC. 2 revisits the corporate dominance of the food industry, exposing its impacts on the environment, workers, and public health. The sequel calls for policy reform to break monopolies, reduce ultra-processed foods, and encourage sustainable, regenerative farming practices for a more resilient food system.

Filmmakers Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo came “back for seconds,” releasing a sequel to the Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning documentary, FOOD, INC. in April of this year. FOOD, INC. 2 revisits the food system to explore how the industry has remained unchecked by our government since the original 2008 documentary. Featuring investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), the film highlights the system’s negative impact on the environment, workforce, and public health.

FOOD, INC. 2 dives deep into the massive corporate control of the food industry and the vulnerabilities that come with such consolidation. It highlights how a handful of powerful companies dominate our food system, making it highly efficient yet shockingly fragile, especially in times of crisis like the COVID pandemic. Because the system was built around predictability and profit, unexpected disruptions revealed the cracks, leaving consumers with empty supermarket shelves and workers suffering from low wages and mistreatment, especially among immigrant laborers. The film calls for a shift toward a more resilient and adaptable food system that benefits everyone involved – from the farmers to the consumers.

Another key focus of the documentary is the rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impact on public health. Designed for long shelf lives and maximum profitability, these foods have become a major part of the average American diet, contributing to alarming rises in obesity and chronic diseases like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The documentary takes a scientific approach regarding the topic, discussing research that shows how UPFs trick the body into overeating and gaining weight. While we know they come at a high cost to health, these ultra-processed food products continue to prevail in the marketplace because they are profitable for corporations. FOOD, INC. 2 also points out that government subsidies favor the production of unhealthy foods, making UPFs more accessible than fresh, whole foods.

The environmental consequences of large-scale, industrial farming is another issue that the documentary explores in depth. Mega-farms, focused on commodity crops and livestock, are draining natural resources, contributing to climate change, and pushing smaller, family-owned farms out of business. The film advocates for a return to more sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices, such as integrating animals to enrich farmlands. Innovations in the farming world are also featured, showing methods that promote soil health, biodiversity, and a closed nutrient loop – proving that a better way of farming is possible with the right support.

Towards the end, the film calls for innovative solutions and policy reform, particularly in breaking up the monopolies that have taken over the food industry. FOOD, INC. 2 argues that strong antitrust enforcement and a shift in government subsidies away from unhealthy calories toward real, nutritious food could help build a food system that prioritizes public health, environmental sustainability, and workers’ rights. By highlighting the efforts of legislators including Senators Cory Booker and Jon Tester, the documentary underscores that fixing the system will require a concerted effort to combat corporate interests and reform agricultural policies for the future.

So, if you think it’s time to clean up our food system, become a FoodFight USA Warrior. Sign up below to stay informed with important changes in your food and learn about ways you can make your voice heard. You can also watch FOOD, INC. 2, now available on DVD, Blu-Ray, or Digital.

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