I just watched Food, Inc. instead of the Grammy’s.
And I wish I could make everyone I know watch it too. I am a most-of-the-time vegetarian (I was vegan for a few years), and am already well-versed in the pesticide, antibiotic and growth-hormone ridden industry that produces our food. I could write an entire blog on the horrible practices employed by companies like Tyson, Perdue and Monsanto that result in salmonella outbreaks, antibiotic resistance, obesity, diabetes and even death.
Skeptics say that it is scientific advances in foods that have kept food prices low and American companies profitable. That’s fine, I can appreciate American pride and a small grocery bill. And I am the biggest proponent of capitalism and free markets that I know. But the food industry is now controlled by a few large companies that are backed by government policies (like very strong laws protecting food companies from libel, remember when Oprah was sued for saying she won’t eat a hamburger during the Mad Cow epidemic?) that only have profit on the brain, not the consumer. Which is why a Big Mac is cheaper than a serving of vegetables, which, in turn, is why income is the largest predictor of obesity in this country.
Like I said, I believe in capitalism and free markets. So I, like the creators of Food, Inc., know that change has to start with the consumer. If we buy from farmers markets, if we make sure that our chickens and cows developed naturally, if we stop choosing genetically altered, highly-processed foods, then our supermarkets will listen. If the people that can afford to buy organic do so, it will eventually lead to healthier food sold at cheaper prices, so that all Americans can enjoy healthy meals.
I think Food, Inc. just solved healthcare.
Agreed! If the government would get to the root of the problem, quit subsidizing food and allowing stop letting the big corporations take advantage of small farms, we would all be lighter and healthier! It has to start with us!
Note: Science says that the world cannot be fed alone on organic foods. It’s truth. Look it up.