A Progressive Viewpoint

It is commendable for Vice President Kamala Harris to pledge to lower food prices, a pressing issue for many Americans. However, she fails to address a critical factor: both her fellow Democrats and Republicans have been significantly influenced by food processing companies and major grocery store chains. These corporations have made substantial political contributions, raising questions about the sincerity of political leaders' commitments to addressing rising food costs. According to data from OpenSecrets , food processing companies and grocery store chains are major political donors, contributing millions of dollars to both parties. Some of the largest contributors include Tyson Foods, Kroger, and Albertsons. While these companies have historically contributed more to conservative candidates, particularly former President Donald Trump, they have also supported Democratic politicians, including Vice President Harris. The influence of these contributions is far from benign. ...

    We all notice that when we go to the grocery store, our food bill is much higher than before the pandemic. It has remained high for most commodities. The highest increase in food prices occurred between 2022 and 2023, a 25 percent increase. Although wages have been increased overall, the percentage of food purchases is higher in family budgets. The percentage of budgets devoted to food particularly affects those in lower-income groups. Food banks in all cities are seeing increased demand due to this rise. Food prices are driven by multiple factors such as energy costs, wages, transportation, climate change, political disruptions such as wars, and retailing. One factor that has inflated costs is the oligopoly of a few food processing firms and corporate greed, given the term “greedflation.” According to an article in Portside, a Progressive publication, only a few companies control all aspects of the food industry. We see all the brand “choices” owned by a few mega food...