Essays and Articles

by Dr. Arlene Spark, THS 1962

Nutrition Editor.

Last update: April 25, 2009.

Dr. Spark has written a book, to be published in the Spring of 2007. After publication, Arlene will provide extracts for publication in The Trumpet.

Meanwhile, she has this to say (news to us on a major problem in the United States):

Domestic overproduction of corn and soy crops and the consequent reduction in the cost of some foods (notably beef, and processed foods rich in vegetables oils and sugar) are environmental forces favoring the occurrence of obesity in the U.S.

Our farm policy, specifically crop subsidies and incentives for bulk agricultural commodities, promote obesity by creating a relatively inexpensive, high-calorie ingredients for the food industry to use in the production of low-cost foods replete in sugar and fat content. This creates an environment that conflicts with the Dietary Guidelines’ suggestion to limit the amount of sugars and fats in one’s diet and makes eating unhealthy foods less expensive in the short term.

To improve the food environment in which we live, economists, health experts, and policy makers must promote new farm policies that result in a healthier food supply while not undermining economic prosperity for both the food industry and the American farmer.