Food Justice and Nutrition

Using the see-judge-act pastoral cycle, this article examines the ethics of the fast food industry through the lens of Catholic social thought. It surveys the conveniences and harms of fast food consumption—affordability, efficiency, and taste weighed against obesity, poor nutrition, and inhumane labor and animal-treatment practices—and evaluates initiatives such as Fair Trade sourcing and grassroots pressure on chains to source ethically. The author argues that food justice requires responsibility from both companies and consumers: businesses must not sacrifice workers, animals, and the environment for profit, while individuals must exercise moderation and conscious choice. The article concludes that a sustainable food system must integrate environmental, physical, and spiritual well-being.