There is legislation currently looking at a possible tax on junk food, vending machines in schools, and boosting meal payments to schools. This bill is in the House looking for approval, and is being heavily pushed by Michelle Obama who wants to see more fruits and vegetables in schools. This is in an attempt to fight childhood, which has been rapidly growing in this country. However, is a possible tax on these “bad” foods the way to modify consumers eating habits? Some proponents look at it as attacking the lower income level individuals who rely on these foods because they are less expensive.
There is the question will junk food be the next tobacco? It looks like the government wants to tell you that these certain bad foods are bad for your health and therefore your consumption of these foods is irresponsible and a burden on our health care system. There are claims that obesity in the United States costs $150 billion, and perhaps if these foods were made more costly because of a tax there consumption would decline. I personally believe that an increase in costs of these foods will only have a minimal effect. People make conscious decisions everyday and one of them is “what am I going to eat?”. I know that we live in a fast paced world where we want everything quick, easy, and cheap. There are still ways to eat healthy on the go, does it cost a little more than the $3 value meal at McDonald’s or Wendy’s, you bet. The health benefits will pay dividends in less medication and doctors visits.
I think changing people’s eating habits can be solved using another approach. We must provide fruits and vegetables in bulk to all public schools. If kids from a young age make fruits and vegetables part of their daily intake they will create a habit that should last for a lifetime. This should also be reinforced by parents at home. Parents should make healthy foods including fruits and vegetables available to their kids. This is a cycle that needs to be started and made a priority across all households in America.
Is this proposed legislation to tax certain foods the answer??… No. However, at least we know that it is a problem and that something needs to be done. People need to feel incentivized to make healthy decisions and clearly some people do not. We are a country of freedoms and the ability to make choices, let’s see if Americans start making more healthy choices. What do you think?