A path to ending food deserts, reviving local grocery stores, and lowering prices.
In The Atlantic, Stacy Mitchell explains the true origin of food deserts in America. Before the 1980s, many neighborhoods that are now food deserts actually had a diverse and competitive grocery landscape. The problem isn’t the neighborhoods themselves; the problem is price discrimination that favors big chains over independent grocers.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is preparing to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act (RPA) once again, after decades of virtually no enforcement. Earlier this year, FTC Chair Lina Khan said, “We’re looking closely at areas where we might be able to do that in short order.” This fact sheet highlights why restoring enforcement of the law is crucially important to small businesses, consumers, and communities.
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For decades the U.S. grocery industry was remarkably competitive, with independent grocers thriving alongside large chains like Kroger and Safeway. Virtually every neighborhood and small town had a grocery store, and many had several. Then, in the early 1980s, the government stopped enforcing the Robinson-Patman Act, a critical antitrust law that prohibits price discrimination by suppliers. Food deserts and higher prices followed.
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ILSR investigates how dollar store chains are using predatory tactics to kill off grocery stores and other local businesses, harming rural and urban communities alike.
Powerful retailers are dominating supply chains. Our report argues it’s time to revive the Robinson-Patman Act to restore antitrust enforcement against predatory buying.
In 203 markets, Walmart controls 50% or more of the grocery market. No other corporation has ever amassed this much control over the food system.
Community leaders have good reason to be concerned about chain dollar stores. Here's an explanation of 17 ways dollar stores can hurt communities.
This virtual event featured Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya alongside community leaders, independent grocers, and advocates—to examine the ways dominant retailers exert their power, how community leaders are fighting back, and what federal leaders must do to cultivate fairness in our food system.
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Ron Knox explores the implications of the FTC's decision, under Chair Andrew Ferguson, to drop a case alleging Pepsico violated the Robinson-Patman Act.
Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter met with small businesses, discussing the critical role of antitrust policy in leveling the playing field and supporting...
Ron Knox provided testimony highlighting how corporate concentration in the grocery industry has led to record profits for major chains while consumers struggle with affordability.
A bill in the Rhode Island House could level the state's grocery playing field, and encourage other states to join the fight against monopoly power.
