ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on national-level food policy in the United States (US), but there are similarities with policy-making at other levels of government and in other institutions. It provides an overview of key industries in the food marketing chain; explores the role of both markets and governments in achieving economic and social objectives; and studies how interest groups and advocacy coalitions compete to influence food policy. The chapter describes the policy-making process, with a focus on the legislative branch of the federal government; and describes the policy implementation process, with a focus on the executive branch of the federal government. It also describes the use of law in US food policy, with a focus on the judicial branch of the federal government. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.
