Subsidizing Bad Eating Habits

The U.S. government spends a lot of money subsidizing the farming of corn and grains. These crops are used, among other things, to feed livestock and to produce high fructose corn syrup.

This chart (via) shows the inflation adjusted cost of various food stuffs has changed over the past 30 years.


Notice how cheap carbonated beverages have become. Now think about how much the average American's waist line has expanded over time.

Notice how cheap meat has become and think about the on going cholesterol and heart problems in the U.S.

Notice how expensive fresh fruits and vegetables are.

I don't know that this will change any time soon if ever. The Senate is dominated by small population states that grow lots of corn and raise lots of livestock. People are used to cheap soda and meats and if the costs start going up they'll start complaining. If Coke and Pepsi see their sales drop because of cost and attribute that to the increased costs of supplies more money will flow in to the campaign coffers of the appropriate office holders.