First, the dark truth: We know the food system in the U.S. is broken. Copious food is left wasted each year while millions face food insecurity. People are sick from diet-related issues. Animals in factory farms suffer abuse. There is a lack of access to fresh foods. These examples, as well as the others we’ve written about, are unsettling.

What is even more disturbing is the fact that these issues are not natural occurrences. They’re entirely human-caused. You can’t look at any of these problems without seeing the direct line to the giant corporations set on one goal: profit. As dark as this is, acknowledging this fact opens the gate for the light: We can fight back.

We don’t say this lightly. Fighting the massive corrupt food system is a gigantic battle. Policies need to change, as do allowances for systemic corruption and moneyed lobbyists. But pushing back and fighting for a world in which the way we grow, source, and distribute our food is equitable and humane is a feat we cannot avoid—and it takes every one of us.

Considering all time and financial budgets, here are three ways to start.

1.)   Shop the farmers’ market. It’s more nutritious. It’s tastier. It’s even more fun. But that’s not the only reason we always tout shopping at your farmers’ market. Getting your produce, meats, and other goods from local farmers and purveyors means you’re putting dollars in their pockets rather than in the bank accounts of Walmart and Tyson. It comes down to supply and demand. Take the power out of the giants’ hands and back into those who care.

2.)   Shop small. It’s common and disheartening: You pick up an “organic” food item thinking you’re making the healthier choice. Then you look closely and see the name ‘ConAgra’ on the label. A handful of corrupt food giants have a monopoly on the foods available in markets, including those labeled as organic, natural, and the like. It can be hard to avoid these companies all together, but sourcing some staples from small, local, independently owned brands can help to take some wind out of the giants’ sails. It’s also a way to connect with your community. (Note: If you’re looking for tips on small brands to shop in your city, send us a note and we’ll sleuth some finds for our next Conscious Small Brands Guide.)

3.)   Support the organizations doing the legwork. A varied mix of non-profits and other organizations are working to fight corporate control and food injustice. The Institute for Local Self Reliance, which focuses on empowering local business, and The Human League, which fights for humane and just food practices, are two endeavors doing noble work. Supporting their efforts can come in many forms, such as signing up for their newsletters, following them on social media, making a donation, or signing a petition.

Curious to learn more about sustainable food systems? Join Nichole and ethnoecologist Robin Currey for their conversation on food resilience, local sourcing, and more at our upcoming HEAL with PrimaFoodie Summer Health Summit. Learn more and get your tickets HERE.