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[[File: Hw-pompey.jpg |200px|thumbthumbnail|left|A bust of Pompey]]

Pompey was very important essential in the development of developing the Annona or the supply of free or subsidized grain for Roman citizens. The city’s hinterland was unable to grow enough food for the city , and it is estimated that up to 90% of the city’s food had to be imported. Pompey played a crucial role in the development of the Annona. He was entrusted during his war with the Pirates to safeguard the seal sea lanes. He cleared the Eastern Mediterranean of pirates. He then turned his attention to the food supply of Rome.

Pompey established a system whereby grain from Sicily, Egypt , and North Africa was exported to Rome by sea. This grain was then distributed to the populace of Rome.<ref> Garnsey, Peter. Famine and Food Supply in the Graeco-Roman World: Response to Rise and Crisis (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 1998)p. 231</ref> Pompey used this grain to secure support the city and to establish social stability in the city. This food distribution system that was first developed by Pompey the Great was briefly abandoned but was resurrected during the Augustus's reign of Augustus. It was to remain in place for several centuries and played a key role in Rome’s economy, society , and even politics.<ref> Garnsey, p 117</ref>.