Monday, August 24, 2026

Latest from Food Politics: Our current investment system does not work for food companies or us

This, from the New York Times on August 21. Here’s the headline: A sales growth of ONLY 2. 6% dropped Walmart’s stock by 9%. OK, Walmart isn’t all about food, but it has larger food sales than any other place by a wide margin. As I keep saying, ...
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By Marion Nestle

Our current investment system does not work for food companies or us

This, from the New York Times on August 21.

Here’s the headline:

A sales growth of ONLY 2.6% dropped Walmart’s stock by 9%.

OK, Walmart isn’t all about food, but it has larger food sales than any other place by a wide margin.

As I keep saying, I’m not against profit.

But the idea that 2.6% growth is insufficient to please stockholders explains everything about what’s wrong with our food system.

People and pets can only eat so much.  All food-selling enterprises cannot continue to grow infinitely.

I’ think a good argument can be made that the bad things food companies do to employees, customers, animals, and the environment result directly from stockholder pressures to grow sales and profits, quarter after quarter.

System change, anyone?

The post Our current investment system does not work for food companies or us appeared first on Food Politics by Marion Nestle

Now Available: What to Eat Now

My new book, What to Eat Now, is officially out!

It's both a field guide to food shopping in America and a reflection on how to eat well—and deliciously.

For more information and to order, click here.

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Marion Nestle

Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, Emerita


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Latest from Food Politics: Our current investment system does not work for food companies or us

This, from the New York Times on August 21. Here’s the headline: A sales growth of ONLY 2. 6% dropped Walmart’s stock by 9%. OK, Walmart i...