Researched Argument (1)

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Jan 9, 2024

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How Do Food Policy and Our Food Choices Affect Society? Giana Cece Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette ENGL 111: English Composition Shelly Gussis December 10, 2023

Food is an essential and dominant integrant attributed to our daily lives. Fundamentally, food is radically intertwined with a majority of society's structures and their dynamics, generating profound implications upon our society. The choices we make as individuals regarding food policy, and our individual preferences regarding dietary choices can have substantial consequences that extend beyond personal health. Food policy and our food choices have a significant impact on society, affecting various aspects such as: health outcomes and public health, environmental sustainability, and economic inequality and socioeconomic disparities. By understanding the implications of food policy and making informed food choices, we can work towards building a healthier, more equitable, and environmentally friendly society. The issue regarding food policy and the impact inflicted upon society, is a paramount issue that demands our attention and consideration. By examining the existing literature on this topic, we can develop a better understanding of how to address these pressing issues and work towards positive change. I will be referencing and referring to the following readings: "The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food" written by Michael Moss, "The Supermarket: Prime Real Estate" written by Marion Nestle, "Why Don't Convenience Stores Sell Better Food?" written by Olga Khazan, and "Health and Pleasure in Consumers' Dietary Food Choices: Individual Differences in the Brain's Value System" written by Petit et al. This essay will examine the association between food policy, individual food choices, and their contributions to health outcomes and public health, environmental sustainability, and economic inequality and socioeconomic disparities. First and foremost, it is important to define what the term "junk food" truly means. According to "The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food," the term "junk food" refers to food products that are high in calories, sugar, and fat, but low in nutrients; "The coating of salt,

the fat content that rewards the brain with instant feelings of pleasure, the sugar that exists not as an additive but in the starch of the potato itself- all of this combines to make it the perfect addictive food." (Moss, 2013, p.45) These foods are often heavily processed and marketed aggressively, not only targeting children and adolescents but also feeble-minded individuals who may lack the knowledge or self-control to make healthy eating choices. This type of manipulation has been exhaustively utilized through marketing and advertising tactics; as highlighted in "The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food," the use of manipulative marketing and advertising tactics contributes extensively to the overconsumption of unhealthy food products. The reading "Why Don't Convenience Stores Sell Better Food?" highlights the influence of the fast-food industry on public health. Khazan reveals the aggressive marketing strategies utilized by these corporations, and their contributions to the increased consumption of unhealthy foods- leading to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases. Khazan emphasizes how food policies prioritize the profitability of processed food corporations, frequently overlooking the negative health consequences of these products. Khazan argues that food policies perpetuate socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes. Additionally, Michael Moss's, "The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food," delves into the scientific methods utilized by processed food industries, in order to make their products addictive and highly palatable- further contributing to poor health outcomes. Moss delves into the intricate combinations of ingredients, flavors, and textures that make junk food addictive and appealing to consumers. According to the reading, "The Extraordinary Science of Junk Food," processed food corporations exploit scientific research to manipulate taste preferences and promote addictive ingredients (Moss, 2013). Moss argues that the processed food industry manufactures food with

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