Ever wonder why we see random commercials such as Drake from State Farm? Money talks, my friends! Commercials for dairy products such as ice cream sundaes and extra cheese pizza are paid for by politicians. The word used to describe this is subsidization. Dairy subsidization is when the dairy industry and government organizations make money together. No matter who you vote for, you have the right to ask, "What's your stance on our ice cream budget?"
When Was It Subsidized in the First Place?
A Cornell University professor, Brian Wansink, wrote "Marketing Nutrition: Soy, Functional Foods, Biotechnology, and Obesity." I read it for graduate school, so you don't have to. In this book, Wansink describes food commercials throughout history. For example, during World War II, chicken and beef were shipped overseas to feed American soldiers. This created public health concerns for families at home. Business executives were then motivated to develop marketing campaigns for soy since it is abundantly available, inexpensive, and high in protein.
Why?
Fast forward to the present day, and there's now tons of cheese in sharp "cheddar" contrast. The United States Department of Agriculture was unsure what to do with it. Commercials intentionally promote products in advertisements targeting all consumers, especially from lactose intolerant and vulnerable communities.
Dr. Marion Nestle, a New York University lecturer, wrote "Food Politics." Dr. Nestle stated that the Cheese Importers Association and Kraft General Foods spent $20,000 and $120,000 to promote their businesses. Furthermore, according to Public Health Nutrition, the United States Department of Agriculture invested $5 billion (about $15 per person in the US) on dairy programs. Business decisions affect which health policies would be approved or denied for public health promotion.
Even a simple Five-a-Day campaign (like the Got Milk? campaign) doesn't have as much money in its budget as the meat and dairy industries.
What Does That Mean for Me?
You're more likely to eat foods from cafeterias and restaurants than homemade foods as a college student. Did you know that government officials decide the type of food served at school lunch programs, such as pizza? That's a political debate I'd like to watch. One argument for the "pro" pizza debate is that tomato sauce is a vegetable product, so "pizza is a vegetable." I find this quite clever. As a nutrition major, even I like pizza, pasta, and Italian food overall, so I don't blame you if you do, too! 😊
Where do you see yourself nine years from now in the year 2030? Healthy People 2030 has nutrition, physical activity, and other health goals to decrease negative health habits while enhancing positive health habits!
You are a free-thinking college adult living in a society with the COVID-19 pandemic and the obesity epidemic. You can control your health and what you put into your body while carrying out your personal health goals! You can have a fresh start whether it's winter, spring, summer, or fall! Enjoy your workout with a Drake from State Farm playlist solo or with your boo, who would never ghost you! 😊