**Profit margins and working conditions in the food industry **

The food industry operates with relatively low profit margins, relying on large-scale operations to generate profits. This contrasts with smaller operations, which operate on a high fixed profit margin. The industry's profit structure makes it difficult to apply traditional economic theories. Additionally, the food industry is complex beyond the farmgate, involving various layers and contradictions. This complexity leads to issues such as high food waste and food insecurity, with a significant percentage of Americans experiencing these challenges. Furthermore, the industry faces gross inequalities, with a large proportion of grocery workers experiencing food insecurity and even homelessness.