Mark Bittman never steers you wrong when it comes to ideas and advice on food. Now the with a strike by fast food and other low-wage workers set for Monday in several cities, Bittman, Time magazine’s lead food columnist and a New York Times columnist has a question for politicians and corporate execs who oppose paying workers a decent wage and some advice for the rest of us. He’s on the money with both.

The median age of today’s fast-food worker is over 29, and many are trying to support families. One estimate claims that a family of four needs nearly $90,000 a year to get by in the nation’s capital. That’s six minimum wage jobs. Explain to me, please, how you can be pro-family and anti-living-wage simultaneously? (Many Republicans in Congress seem to manage.)

Bittman writes that there are six elements affected by the way food is produced: taste, nutrition and price; and the impact on the environment, animals and labor.

We can argue about taste, but it’s clear that our production system—especially in the fast-food world—is flunking all the others. And if you think food is “cheap,” talk to the people working in the fields, factories and stores who can’t afford it. Remember: no food is produced without labor.

He says that over the years people have asked him what they can do to help improve our food system.

Here’s an easy one: When you see that picket line next week, don’t cross it. In fact, join it.

Read the full column.