Access to Quality Foods

I was excited to read an AP article titled “First Lady to Launch Anti-Childhood Obesity Campaign” (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02/08/lady-launch-anti-childhood-obesity-campaign/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+foxnews%252Fpolitics+%2528Text+-+Politics%2529) discussing how the First Lady’s campaign against childhood obesity will hopefully change the way millions of Americans eat, exercise, look and feel.

 

I absolutely applaud the effort to address the ever growing problem facing America’s children in all walks of life, from low-income to high-income families.  While I think school food programs and educational initiatives are key, I’m hoping that another issue is addressed in the federally-supported initiatives.  For me, the most important issue is ensuring that everyone has access to quality foods.  All the educational programs in the world won’t solve the issue of a) not being able to afford quality foods or b) only being able to buy pesticide-laden imported produce.  So, I will keep my fingers crossed that Mrs. Obama’s work will cause the federal government to re-evaluate its stance on farming subsidies and subsidize the local farmer who grows high-quality produce instead of corn…