Grocery: The Buying and Selling of Food in America

In a culture fixated on food—its appearance, taste, origin, and health benefits—questions often outnumber answers. Michael Ruhlman suggests that the solutions for wise consumption might be closer than we think, right in our local supermarket aisles. Anchoring his exploration in the story of the family-run Midwestern chain Heinen's, Ruhlman delves into the complex world of supermarkets and the evolution of our food systems.

"Grocery" examines the dramatic changes in supermarkets and our food culture since the days of the neighborhood grocer. Instead of longing for the past of mom-and-pop stores, Ruhlman seeks to understand how our food needs have evolved since the mid-20th century and how these shifts reflect broader cultural changes. Through this journalistic journey, he uncovers how our modern food systems meet our changing needs and mirror our cultural values.