Rewriting the Narrative: Advancing Justice and Equity in the U.S. Food System

Marie A. Bragg (), Nathalie Lissain, Zora G. Hall, Brittany N. Edghill, Omni Cassidy, Roxanne Dupuis and Karen Watson
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Marie A. Bragg: Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
Nathalie Lissain: Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
Zora G. Hall: Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
Brittany N. Edghill: Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
Omni Cassidy: Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
Roxanne Dupuis: Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
Karen Watson: Center for Health Economics and Policy Innovation, Imperial College London Business School, London SW7 2AZ, UK

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-7

Abstract: The concept of ‘food justice’ recognizes the systemic injustices embedded in the U.S. food system and the urgent need for transformative policies to ensure equitable access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally relevant food. Limited access to these foods drives food insecurity and increases the prevalence of diet-related diseases in low-income and minority communities. Dominant narratives that individualize hunger and food insecurity often blame the individual and overlook the underlying structural factors that sustain these issues. These narratives have considerable influence. They shape public opinion and can also guide policy decisions. This commentary explores the goals of the food justice movement in the U.S., describes how the food and racial justice movements intersect, and examines the role of commercial marketing and public policy in shaping the food justice discourse. We also reflect on the efforts that should be made to reframe these dominant narratives and facilitate meaningful change in the food environment.

Keywords: food justice; food insecurity; diet-related diseases; U.S. food system; commercial marketing; racial justice; food environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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