The food industry's reluctance to reveal what consumers are truly eating was a central theme in a recent virtual discussion. Robert Kenner, director of the acclaimed 2008 documentary "Food Inc.," and co-producer Melissa Robledo engaged with students via Zoom. The event, moderated by advertising and public relations professor Valerie Salinas-Davis, explored how large corporations wield immense power over the food supply chain. Participants were served vegetarian pizza, with an environmentally friendly request to compost the boxes after the session. This gathering shed light on the broader implications of the food industry's practices, touching on democracy, worker exploitation, and environmental impact.

Kenner emphasized that the documentary is not merely about food but also about the state of democracy. He pointed out that corporate influence has grown to unprecedented levels. During the panel, key interviews and clips from "Food Inc." highlighted the significant role of government subsidies in shaping agricultural practices. For instance, farmers dedicate a substantial portion of U.S. land to corn cultivation due to government incentives. Livestock are fed cheap corn to reduce meat prices, a practice that raises concerns about both health and ethics.

Kenner shared his experiences while filming, noting that initial openness from the industry turned into guarded behavior as discussions delved deeper into the effects of corn on diets. Zoey Kaul, a senior studying government and sustainability, introduced Plant Futures, an organization dedicated to creating a more sustainable food system. She highlighted the challenges of disseminating information about systemic issues and their consequences for public health and ethics.

Robledo discussed the evolution of the food industry since the original film. She mentioned that companies have become even more adept at preventing transparency, manipulating prices, exploiting workers, and harming the environment. Kenner revealed that his interest in the topic began after reading Eric Schlosser’s "Fast Food Nation," leading him to explore unethical farming practices and animal treatment through the lens of Participant Media's funding.

In this era, it is crucial to recognize the growing power of consolidated corporations in controlling information and influencing consumer choices. The insights from Kenner and Robledo underscore the need for greater awareness and action toward building a transparent and ethical food system. The event concluded with a call to challenge the status quo and advocate for change within the industry.