Every meal depends on a long chain of labor: farmworkers who plant and harvest, cooks and chefs who prepare food, and servers, distributors, and delivery drivers who bring it to our tables. Together, they make up one of the country’s largest and most essential workforces. Yet many food workers today face low wages, unpredictable schedules, poor working conditions, and limited opportunities for advancement or ownership.

What would it take to build a food system grounded in fair pay, stability, well-being, and dignity for everyone who makes it possible?

Bringing together perspectives from across the food system, this conversation will explore approaches that could shift power and opportunity across the food economy—from stronger labor standards and wage policies to emerging models such as employee ownership. Panelists will consider not only how food work can become more equitable, but also who benefits from the food economy—and who should.

Learn more about the event.

Meet the Panelists

Mike Brady, Co-Founder and CEO of 40 Million Owners

Vanessa García Polanco, Aspen Food Leaders Fellow and Government Relations Director, National Young Farmers Coalition

Jose Oliva, Strategic Campaigns Director, HEAL Food Alliance

Emma Scott, Director, Food & Agriculture Clinic, Center for Agriculture & Food Systems, Vermont Law and Graduate School

Moderated by Ivy Ken, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, The George Washington University

This event is free and open to all. Register here.