Spring has arrived, and with it comes a new addition to the menu at Dig, a popular fast-casual chain known for its salads and bowls. The latest offering is the “avo smash,” a sandwich featuring a generous portion of chicken or tofu nestled between a brioche bun, pesto aioli, and plenty of creamy avocado.
Planning for seasonal menus at Dig takes place months in advance, according to Andrew Torrens, Dig’s director of supply. However, recent threats of tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada by President Donald Trump have thrown a wrench into the chain’s carefully laid plans. The uncertainty surrounding the potential trade war has left Dig and other food industry players scrambling to come up with contingency plans.
Mexico is the primary source of avocados for Dig, as well as for the majority of avocados consumed in the U.S. If tariffs are imposed on Mexican imports, the cost of production could skyrocket, leading to higher prices for consumers. This could also result in increased food waste along the supply chain, as perishable items like fruits and vegetables struggle to make their way to U.S. consumers.
The lack of clarity surrounding U.S. trade relations has already had an impact on operations within the food and beverage industry. Many chains, including Sweetgreen and Chipotle, are bracing for potential cost increases due to tariffs on ingredients like avocados. The threat of mass deportation of undocumented workers is also seen as a potential disruption to the food supply chain.
One overlooked consequence of tariffs is the potential for increased food loss and waste. Highly perishable items like fruits and vegetables may go to waste at various points along the supply chain, from the farm to the grocery store shelves. This not only results in lost revenue for producers but also contributes to environmental issues, as wasted food emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas, when it decomposes in landfills.
During the pandemic, reports emerged of farmers being forced to leave crops to rot in the fields as the closure of restaurants led to a loss of customers for growers. The uncertainty created by trade policies and the looming threat of tariffs only adds to the challenges faced by the food industry in managing supply chains and reducing food waste. In a recent statement, Ellison warned that the impact of tariffs on agricultural goods could lead to a scenario where growers are unable to sell their products at a price that covers their harvesting costs. This could result in excess produce being left unharvested, leading to potential waste in the agricultural industry.
Ellison pointed out that while some crops can be tilled back into the soil to return nutrients, the real issue arises further along the supply chain. Delays in processing at the border due to tariffs could result in more produce spoiling before reaching consumers. Ortega mentioned that importers engaged in “front-loading” to beat the tariffs, which could lead to over-ordering and potential food waste in grocery stores.
One example of this was seen in multiple Whole Foods Market stores in New York City, where a promotion on Mexican produce was observed. This could be a strategy to sell excess produce due to tariff concerns. The potential increase in food waste at the consumer level could also be a result of over-ordering by retailers or higher prices that consumers cannot afford.
Furthermore, consumers may face limited availability of goods as retailers adjust their sourcing to avoid tariffs. While the goal of lowering grocery costs was a campaign promise, a 25 percent tariff on Mexican goods could make essentials like fruits and vegetables more expensive. This has raised concerns among hunger relief organizations, as it could exacerbate the cost-of-living situation for many Americans and increase food insecurity.
The U.S. has a goal of reducing food waste by 2030, but tariffs could hinder this progress by increasing waste sent to landfills. The compounding economic, social, and environmental crises resulting from trade barriers could pose challenges for organizations like Food Forward, which focuses on redistributing fresh produce to those in need. The impact of “America First” trade policies on food waste and hunger relief efforts underscores the need for sustainable solutions to address the complex issues arising from tariff disputes. It’s no secret that the digital age has brought about a revolution in the way we communicate, work, and live our lives. With the rise of social media, smartphones, and other technologies, we are more connected than ever before. But with this increased connectivity comes a host of challenges, including the potential for cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is a form of harassment or bullying that takes place online. It can involve sending hurtful messages, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, or spreading rumors about someone on social media. The impact of cyberbullying can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide.
One of the reasons cyberbullying is so prevalent is because it can be done anonymously. Perpetrators can hide behind fake accounts or use other means to conceal their identity, making it difficult for victims to identify and confront them. This anonymity can embolden bullies to say and do things they wouldn’t dare in person, leading to even more hurtful behavior.
Another factor contributing to the prevalence of cyberbullying is the constant connectivity provided by smartphones and social media. With the touch of a button, hurtful messages can be sent to hundreds or even thousands of people, amplifying the impact of the bullying. And because social media platforms are open to the public, it can be difficult to escape the harassment, as posts and messages can be shared and spread quickly.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the dangers of cyberbullying, and efforts are being made to address and prevent it. Many social media platforms have implemented policies and tools to help users report and block cyberbullies, and schools and communities are increasingly educating young people about the impact of online harassment.
But despite these efforts, cyberbullying continues to be a pervasive issue that affects people of all ages. It’s important for individuals to be vigilant about their online interactions and to speak out against cyberbullying when they see it happening. By creating a culture of kindness and respect online, we can help prevent cyberbullying and create a safer, more positive digital environment for everyone.
