Parents around the world battle against the lure of super-fast, super-cheap fast-food every day. Given its ready availability and endearing price tag, it’s no wonder that families choose the un-healthier option over its greener alternative. Fast-food chains such as McDonalds and Burger King – on every highway and street corner – take most of the blame for this. However, what the headlines in U.S. tend to leave out is that politics play a major factor. Michelle Obama as First Lady launched the Let’s Move program. The program, launched in order to tackle the problem of child obesity in the United States (at its highest level in recorded history), emphasizes the importance of exercise in everyday life and cites easy food alternatives. Unfortunately, due to food lobbyists, the legislation on food was manipulated, leading to such items as pizza being labelled vegetables – a mere remnant of a tomato is enough to afford such products the label.
Although many believe that the food industry in the United States is purely privatized, the political system is in fact largely to blame for the continued neglect of education in terms of food consumption and refusal to change the culture of eating amongst the majority of the population. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are responsible for making sure people eat ‘healthy’. However, it is nearly impossible for the organization to fulfill its duty because of the actions of the Iron Triangle, created by lobbyists for farm companies. An iron triangle is the policy making relationship between congress, the bureaucracy and interest groups. The self-interest of politicians presents the crux of the issue. Craving to be reelected, they require the financial support of the major food companies, promoting by association unhealthy food practices.
The Senate’s structure also plays a major role in the dangerous situation of American food trading, buying and consumption. Despite the representation of two senators per state being frequently cited as an advantage, the organization of the system means that there is a serious over representation of rural, agricultural states. This means it is easier for food lobbyists to put pressure on the Senate in order to increase subsidies and cut food stamps. This can be seen with the Farm Bill in 2018 which is the primary agricultural and food policy tool of the federal government. Furthermore, the Farm Bill is also such a key piece of legislation that an agreement has to be reached and this agreement normally favors large food companies as they are more likely to fund a successful political campaign.
Due to the relationships that have been established between large food companies and those working within Congress it appears that the problem of low food prices is one that cannot be easily tackled unless the whole American political system comes under reform. Therefore, it seems there is limited opportunities for change and if one wants to be healthy it seems they are simply going to have to pay higher prices.
