Food Chains 2014

Overview

Food Chains is a 2014 American documentary film directed by Sanjay Rawal that examines the state of agricultural labor in the United States. The film functions as a call to arms, detailing the questionable ethics prevalent within the food supply industry. A central focus of the documentary is the significant power held by large supermarket chains. The film argues that these entities utilize their influence to dictate low wages and maintain inhumane labor conditions for farmworkers across the country. The production has a runtime of one hour and twenty-three minutes and was first released on April 26, 2014, in Germany. In recognition of its contribution to the field, the project received the 2015 James Beard Foundation Award for Special/Documentary. By highlighting the systemic issues faced by those who harvest food, the documentary seeks to bring attention to the human cost associated with modern retail practices. The film remains a notable work for its investigation into the intersection of corporate power and the rights of agricultural laborers within the American food system.