Tanya Mosley

How did dollar stores get into the food business?

These dollar stores, they're everywhere, but they're also concentrated in very specific places and poor and urban neighborhoods.

You know, I grew up with a grocery store chain in the Detroit area called Farmer Jack.

And it was there for many, many decades.

And then, poof, I think it was the early 2000s, they just disappeared.

And it seemed to be that way throughout the country in places, in major cities.

When did we start to see these family-run stores like that close?

It was before the pandemic.

Our guest today is Marian Nestle, author of What to Eat Now and one of the most influential voices in food politics.

We'll be right back after a short break.

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This is Fresh Air.

I'm Tanya Mosley, and we're talking with Marian Nestle, whose new book, What to Eat Now, explores how our food system has changed from the rise of ultra-processed foods to the shifting politics of what's on our plates.

Okay, Marion, you identify three nutrition concepts that have emerged since your first run of What to Eat in 2006.

And those three things are the food systems have changed, ultra-processed foods, and triple-duty diets.

And I want to slow down and talk about all three.