Food. Justice. Work.
The Checkout centers the voices and efforts of essential workers on the frontlines of our food system. Now more than ever, our food system is in a constant state of flux, radical change and crisis. From political economy and supply chain analysis to public policy, labor organizing and community struggles, The Checkout will expand the horizon of what is necessary to create a just, equitable and progressive food system.
The Checkout is a proud member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.
Episode 39: Why We Need A Public Food Sector
In the wake of Covid-19 and Winter Storm Uri, retail and wholesale food supply chains were continuously strained and broken in Austin, Texas, leaving grocery shelves empty. So why are we still dependent on the private sector for our food supply?
Errol Schweizer, Host of The Checkout and a 25+ year veteran of food retail and CPG, shares an overview of how things work in the corporate-owned food supply chain, from retailers to distributors to charitable networks, as well as an outline of what a public sector food system could look like. With an eye towards food sovereignty and food security, we discuss food utilities, public cafeterias, publicly owned manufacturing and cooperative delivery platforms.