Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.
—anna lappé,
food activist and writer, in O Magazine (2003)
The “eating for change” movement argues that individuals have the power to change the food system. By paying attention to what they put on their plates and where they put their money, consumers can work toward healthier bodies and a healthier planet. But not everyone has the money to vote with their fork. And even those with the means to do so may find themselves exhausted and disappointed, swimming against the tide as they try to eat healthfully and sustainably. When shopping for food is seen as a sign of good parenting and ethical consumption, it can also become a test of who is, and who is not, caring and thoughtful.