Seven-Day Boycott Targets General Mills, Echoes Consumer Discontent

A nationwide, week-long boycott of General Mills products, organized by the grassroots group People's Union USA, is underway from April 21 to April 28. Unlike recent protests focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, this action targets broader concerns such as alleged toxic ingredients, opposition to GMO labeling, environmental impact, price gouging, and corporate lobbying. John Schwarz, the group’s founder, accuses General Mills of dominating supermarket shelves with ultra-processed foods and failing to reinvest in local communities while contributing to systemic issues in the nation’s food system. The boycott encompasses a broad array of General Mills brands, including Cheerios, Pillsbury, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, and Blue Buffalo pet food, representing a push for consumer and environmental activism. Organizers view economic boycotts as a way to influence corporate behavior, though experts note that their effectiveness is often mixed. Additional boycotts against other major corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and McDonald’s are planned in the coming months.