Ignoring A Priority

Ignoring a priority:

Why healthful eating should not be for just the wealthy

I would not be one to say that having Pringles or Pop Tarts or canned anything is against some set of rules. There is no harm in sinking your teeth into the processed goodness of these foods. However, the idea of consuming these “on occasion” -- as they should be consumed -- has spiraled its way into becoming too normal. Habitually, Americans reach for bags of chips as a snack which, in general, is the easiest and the cheapest route. Although we are always taught to make wise decisions, people tend to choose saving money over health and investing in more wholesome foods. As Americans, we cannot fully blame ourselves for poor decisions of money over health, but rather on the system that makes that choice as difficult as it is.

Since wallets are often guiding factors in making choices, to grab the Mac and Cheese that costs two dollars versus the pesticide free strawberries, that unfortunately cost over six dollars, is common. In a world where health foods are more accessible, they would ideally be cheaper as well. People will not have to think twice about buying the healthier option. This change would constitute as a way for people that do not normally try to reach for their favorite fruits, vegetables and grass fed meat products but choose to have these items become a part of their daily lives.

The obvious outcome of this price change would be the lesser chance of future generations not knowing how to properly feed themselves. Without this change, they may continue to reach for all the foods they know--or do not know-- are not beneficial to their wellbeing. If there ever comes a time when health food prices decline, studies prove that obesity rates will be proportionate to the decline of the food prices. Workers would be more productive and the healthcare rates would decrease, simply because they feel better. This price drop will increase the access to better foods and American people will feel less inclined to buy what is causing their health issues in the first place.

It has been incredibly easy to blame unhealthy or obese Americans for not showing motivation to make a change in their ways of living and consuming food, but they no more the ones to blame than the food market. Changing prices on healthy foods to better accommodate the wallets that guide our daily choices would cause bad behaviors into good which would ultimately turn into a healthy America. Choosing a Pop Tart over a bowl of broccoli is not always a bad choice, but when it is the only choice, there is something wrong. Once we are able to provide affordable options to all Americans and they become better educated in their choices, society will be significantly better than before. It is my belief there is no better remedy for America than to provide low cost healthful options and let the people decide; that is democracy after all.