John Donovan examines the connections between American children’s obesity and the fast-food industry. Obesity is a pandemic problem in America. Though, most teenagers admit that gaining weight is their fault some are suing fast-food companies like McDonald’s for presumably causing their obesity. The fast-food industry is under pressure from critics about the American’s weight gain problem. John Donovan examines whether the fast-food industry should take responsibility for individuals’ weight gain. Fast food companies tend to hide the nutritional contents of their food. They are also at fault in their marketing strategies which target kids who do not even know how to read. Therefore, customers do not know exactly how unhealthy such foods are. The presenter acknowledges efforts taken by some food companies in producing healthier diet options. Fast food companies indicate that they have an interest in public health, especially children. Legal minds insist that fast food companies should bear the responsibility of childhood obesity because they are aware of the nutritional contents of their foods. So far there are no successful legal suits seeking to recover damages in the health of individuals. Kelly Brownell & Gene Grabowski advocate for tireless improvement in the food environment. Food companies demonstrate concerted efforts in promoting healthy food options.
Morgan and Sonnino examine the role of public school food in promoting social, economic, and environmental benefits while also developing the culture of sustainability. The writers associate school food with behavioral changes, especially in the improvement of concentration and learning ability. Most people are now beginning to realize the essence of healthy eating as a strategic priority in truly valuing human health, social systems, and environmental integrity. These are the ingredients of sustainable development. The onus is on the school food system in proving their political development because they cater to young and vulnerable people in the society, whose tastes and habits are under formation. The School food system requires a complete improvement in order to be effective. Schools are part of the community and cannot solve the complex nature of eating habits alone. Attempts to promote healthy eating habits face challenges from the commercial advertisement of junk foods and lack of public information. The idea is to produce knowledgeable consumers who care about the origin of their food. There is a need to change eating culture to fresh, organic, and locally produced food by reforming the school food system. Scotland and Italy are using the power of public procurement systems to promote healthy eating habits in the school. However, people argue that public procurement in the US is a barrier to sourcing locally produced food. School food reform can be integrated effectively into the community food chain system to promote healthy eating habits. Production of knowledgeable consumers and harnessing the power of public procurement across public institutions can promote healthier eating habits in the community. This system requires enough political will in implemented successfully.
Lisa Miller shows Americans are craving for local and organic food. At the same time, there is an ever-increasing population who lack enough to eat. The growing health issues due to poor diet are sparking the food movement. Americans believe that consuming local and organic food contributes to the health of their families but also to the local farmers, and at the same time maintaining the environment. However, there is a growing concern for poor households who do not have much to eat. They cannot afford fresh farm produce. Therefore, the market exposes them to junk foods. Today food defines the social status of Americans. Well-to-do families can afford the most expensive organic and local food they need. The article suggests that the solution to the food gap lies in seeing food as shared resources i.e. people should do whatever they can in helping the poor access fresh, organic and local foods. Food companies’ involvement in promoting healthier diets and giving incentives to people who buy local and organic food will bridge the gap.