From Ed on Fri, January 28, 2011

Wow!

From Emily Mendoza on Fri, January 28, 2011

Dear President Obama,

You put up a nice front but I want real results and solutions. How about bailing out farmers? They could use the money to harvest and produce the kinds of goods that we all want. Or they could buy more land, to plant more, to produce more, to give consumers more. How about taking a look at Food Stamps -someone else said already, I just agree with them.

How about making it mandatory that Food Service providers in schools ( i.e. Sodexo, Compass Group, and Aramark to name a few) serve students foods that are locally grown, unprocessed, and all at a low rate that everyone can afford? this is how these business make money, so why can’t ask them to make money without taking advantage of our kids?

From Bryan on Fri, January 28, 2011

So, what exactly are you doing!?  I didn’t hear much in there.

From Sharon McCamy on Fri, January 28, 2011

Great initiatives—however, I wish that yesterday’s decision by the USDA to allow GMO foodstock for cattle (Monsanto alfafa) was a consistent philosophy, but it is not. 

There’s a deeper debate than just “healthy” foods—and that is how healthy food is defined.

Apples on the face of it always seem better than fruit loops, but apples sprayed with wax and pesticides that need to be washed before eaten add their own complexity to the discussion.

From Gretchen Schmidt on Fri, January 28, 2011

Thanks to urban farmers markets like Roots in the City and Liberty City Farmers Markets, initiatives like the Urban Oasis Project and efforts by all our local farmers to bring local healthy foods to all, it looks like Miami is making progress in some of the efforts outlined by President Obama.

From Amy Peters on Fri, January 28, 2011

Please stop subsidizing Big Agriculture and give those subsidies to small scale farmers who are growing food for people - what are now considered “specialty crops.”
And stop Monsanto’s “hostile takeover” of America’s Breadbasket!”

From Andi on Fri, January 28, 2011

It’s about the corn, Obama! Stop subsidizing the corn!

From Susan E. Roth on Fri, January 28, 2011

I do not think Walmart has anything to do with real answers- they are part of the problem. And now that Monstanto is allowed to poison us with more GMO’s, which by the way, also hurt the market for American food, I do not have much faith at all in what Mr. Obama said. I agree with Emily above- let’s start taking care of our small family farmers. Stop the subsidies to argi-business. I found the response pretty weak and disappointing.
Green Blessings!
Susan

From Matthew Cahill on Fri, January 28, 2011

We could have chosen a better question (I understand it was a democratic choice). Food cost was nearly rhetorical.

A Cultural shift, encouraged by education and PSA would help us. We could choose to prioritize real food in our personal budgets and pay the actual costs of production. Then develop social programs (with farm subsidy money) to support those who cannot afford food.  We must stop externalizing the costs of our basic needs.

From julia Crookston on Fri, January 28, 2011

Take a look at Bon Appetit Management Co web site to see how a large (not mammouth) contract food service company does do local, cooperative and profitable food programs.
I was so disappointed by Mrs Obama’s support of Wal Mart, it just perpetuates the primary problem with the food system, I’m afraid they really don’t get it afterall….

From Laurie on Fri, January 28, 2011

blah blah blah…why didn’t he ask about GMO apples?!!!!  We need to address the pressing issue of GM contamination and erosion of fruits!!!!  ...little, baby-steps at the price of dis-ease across our land….

From Matt S on Fri, January 28, 2011

Yesterday’s decision on GE Alfalfa demonstrates pretty clearly what Obama and his administration really think of our concerns. They are not our allies and we have to accept that.

Neither are Whole Foods, Organic Valley or Stonyfield Farms for that matter:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_22449.cfm

From Timothy Peak on Fri, January 28, 2011

We still don’t see any change!  President Obama is a politician through and through.  I do not believe a word of what he said.  It was not Obama or his administration who came up with the nutrition act.

From Erin Bouchard on Fri, January 28, 2011

There is still so much more to be done, but this is a start!  Way to go Mr. Viertel!!

From Kathy on Fri, January 28, 2011

I don’t think President Obama, along with all politicians and government officials, truly understands what is happening in the food world and the emergency we have regarding the decisions that are currently made for all aspects of food production.  I think that if he had a clue, he would respond differently.  They are all very much main stream thinkers when it comes to food.

Kathy

From Claude on Fri, January 28, 2011

Obama gave a non-answer.  Why mention Wal-Mart in the first few seconds. Remove all subsidies to CAFOs now.  Laurie, it’s very likely that GMO apples are in the Froot Loops.

From LeeRay on Fri, January 28, 2011

Thank you for what will be a provocative way to begin my spring course
on Food, Culture and Social Justice. Wish I could say I was impressed, but there wasn’t much substance there. What I did hear was, “Yes, Michelle is working on that.”

From jonathan harris on Fri, January 28, 2011

great work, guys.

From ruth on Fri, January 28, 2011

yeah - i don’t think they get it. maybe on some level but i really think that with monsanto doing all the damage they are doing, and the subsidies going to certain ag products AND speculation allowed so heavily against grain markets, food is crappy, food choice is limited for certain areas, food will become more expensive for less nutrition…

and to depend on a huge retailer to create a system by their influence is just lame.

From Allison Morse on Fri, January 28, 2011

Have you stopped Monsanto from ruining our food supply with GMO wheat???

From Rich H. on Fri, January 28, 2011

Dear Emily Mendoza,

They already bail out farmers. It is called subsidizing.

What all of you should understand is that the more the government gets involved the more they actually interfere. If you really care about healthy food and the farmers who harvest them, then you should be asking why is there a Department of Agriculture? Why does the government price control? Why does the government make these private laws making it illegal to grow certain things and quantities? 

Who really gets hurt? The small local farmer. They cannot compete. Instead, mandates and regulations make it nearly impossible to make a living in the field.

Instead, these large corporations like Monstanto are cheaply producing goods, which aren’t healthy. They don’t care about health. Profit is the bottom line.

So instead of asking Obama what he plans to do, ask/DEMAND him to get OUT OF OUR LIVES AND BUSINESS completely!

From Michaelb on Fri, January 28, 2011

End subsides to corn, wheat, soybeans and dairy. These are throwbacks to the 1940’s. Once a federal program starts, it never ends.

From Ellie on Fri, January 28, 2011

While I think the efforts made by the First Lady have been great, and admirable, the message is still incomplete when President Obama suggests the issue is about consumers making better decisions, rather than government-funded subsidies, bailouts and legislature going to those who hurt the cause rather than help

From Connie on Fri, January 28, 2011

I am wondering why they choose Walmart?  There are smaller sotres like family owned grocery stores who need to be able to receive and sell their produce at the same price as Walmart.  Not too impressed with the answer on this video but haven’t been too impressed with Obama all along.

From Paula on Fri, January 28, 2011

Mr. President, stop avoiding the subject. We the people are fed up with the lies and big corporate businesses that are only interested in lining their own pockets.Stop Monsanto from producing more GMO’s and stand behind the farmers that want to grow healthy, organic foods.Stop the oil companies from lying to the public about the safety of their products.Stop the war and start taking care of your own people who are suffering. Stop taxing every little thing and most of all people should have the right to keep most of their money….

From Rich on Fri, January 28, 2011

Too true Michael B.

They should end all subsidies. Let the real free market determine prices. Who knows better the government or the people? I would like to think that I know better in regards to what I want to eat the price I am willing to pay.

From Ann Miller on Fri, January 28, 2011

Obama vs. ADM “Supermarket to the World”? I think he knows the issues, but there should be an incentive plan to get individuals and families back to farming their own sustenance and enough to supply their local communities. There is a lot one can do in a small plot of land. Monsanto has a death grip on food production, and one company should not be allowed to serve what they wish to people who have no choice. The task of the farmer is to enrich the earth and purify it. A huge task.

Those who inherit a quiet planet will need to know how to grow food within 100 feet of their dwellings. Dressing up swill for a high-priced sale is not the way to go.

From Michael on Fri, January 28, 2011

Is there ever going to be a politician who will actually answer what they are asked? Some one who will speak straigh up with a clear answer? As long as they dont answer what they are ask to in a clear way, that means they dont know what they are doing, like our president Obama answering this question.

From ramona beville on Fri, January 28, 2011

Mc Donald’s set our standards by being the biggest purchaser of lettuce, tomatoes, beef and chicken. Even if you don’t eat at Mc D’s we are all effected by these standards. Walmart can bring standards back up just due to the immense volume they buy. Helping these communities that don’t have access to fresh food (food deserts) will have a positive effect on these families that live in these communities. Food effects how you feel and perform on a daily basis, and what sicknesses you are vulnerable to. If you can get better food for cheaper instead of the other way around, then we will all benefit. By eating right and making healthy choices, individuals can be less dependent on the the health care system (food as a preventive measure).  He also mentioned that school lunch programs ought to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables and we ought to check in to make sure these institutions are not serving pizza and tator tots all day long. If you think of the foods that are being served at all government institutions that effect people of all ages, I will welcome the day when these policies not only effect school lunches but also make healthier and whole foods available to other institutions as well (for example, in assisted living homes).

From laura richardson on Fri, January 28, 2011

better than the previous administration… by a furlong!
but… you can’t be serious about reducing childhood obesity, or reducing health care costs… eg diabetes… without looking at the corn industry, and ENDING government subsidies to grow it. it is at the ROOT of all evil… along with companies that come up with ways to turn healthy vegetables into genetically modified ‘frankenfood”. corn, beets, alfalfa, salmon… where will it end??? subsidize ORGANICS to get serious about bringing the costs down… make that nasty filler food SO expensive, nobody will buy it!!  thanks!

From Charlene Stone on Fri, January 28, 2011

I am sorry that Mr. Obama is not actually aware of the REAL problems in our agricultural world….that Montsano is running the show—and they certainly have no interest in making our food healthier (much less cheaper).  They want to rule the world and have said so.  Mr. Obama needs to get someone in his cabinet who understands problems from the citizens perspective—not from agribusiness point of view.
Already Montsano miracle seeds are failing—and corrupting our “real” seeds.  What happens when they fail completely or have contaminated all that is good?

From Adriaan on Fri, January 28, 2011

Strategically good answers. The proof, to stick with food, is in the pudding. It comes down to how will the strategic direction around healthy food be translated to the practical level where you and I are confronted with the dialy challenges and choices. Some of the comments are spot on. In order to achieve change, we need to address attitude, behavioural and cultural aspects. Not end-all be-all solutions, but we need to address the price. I alwasy wonder why (and I know part of it is lobbyists) we as a nation are able to tax cigarettes to astronomical proportions and have the tobacco industry put pictures on their packaging of black lungs, skulls, etc., but we can’t do that with the food industry. Why can’t we tax unhealthy food options astronomically and funnel those funds to initially subsidize the start-up of the health options thus making them to also be cheaper options rather than only healthier.

From Ellen on Fri, January 28, 2011

I think a better question could have been asked..

I think the first family is trying ..

From David Wruble on Fri, January 28, 2011

As with anything Obama says, you have to take it with a grain of salt! He is a socialist and does not believe in
capitalism! What about the new law that was just passed,
concerning the FDA and giving them more control and power!
We DO NOT need more government control, we need less! All
predictions are saying that within two years they will have all the raw milk sales stopped, so that we have to drink that poison milk that is in the stores now.

David Wruble

From Daniela Kunz on Fri, January 28, 2011

Coexistence in between GMO’s and Organic food is NOT possible. GMO’s will contaminate our Organic food sources - no more choice for us who need to rely on organic food - for health reasons!
I urge you Mr. Obama to stop this madness and NOT ALLOW GMO’s to be planted out there anymore. Our voices have been ignored and it is outrageous. Criminal I would say, for it is endangering us all, forever.

From Martha on Fri, January 28, 2011

This is so much more simple than politicians would have us believe.  Agribusiness has negative effects on Mother Earth, our health, our communities, our governments, and our wallets.  Small family farms are mindful of their place in the natural world, and nourish people and community.  Walmart is also part of the problem.  In no way is Walmart (or any other ‘big box’ store) part of a healthy, sustainable solution.  Mr. President, please try again!

From Melissa on Fri, January 28, 2011

Breakfast cereal is incredibly expensive.  Local, in-season produce is cheap.  You can buy a whole lot of in-season fruit for what you’d pay for one box of name-brand cereal.
Maybe not organic Whole Foods fruit - but even that fruit is cheaper than cereal.

You don’t like crappy food?  DON’T BUY IT.  You don’t like companies like WalMart?  DON’T SHOP THERE.  Buy local, support local suppliers and farmers, and live the way you believe.  It takes more time to cook than to buy pre-made crappy food, but spend the time.  Put these companies out of business by NOT BUYING THEIR CRAP, not by blaming the President.

(And by not subsidizing and supporting horrible companies like Monsanto - I’m trying to see both sides, but those Monsanto people just seem hell-bent on making a profit at the expense of our food systems.  Can’t even think about it.  It’s too horrible and nightmare-inducing.)

From anita Coupe on Fri, January 28, 2011

Good for “Josh” in getting the subject on air.
Good for the First Lady in making this a priority.
There are far tougher Q’s the President should be answering, but this is a start.

From Jennifer Little on Fri, January 28, 2011

I agree with Claude on Fri, January 28, 2011

From SunshineHeart on Fri, January 28, 2011

Way to go getting your question on the interview and the funny way in which you did it…

... indeed, sadly, the mention of Walmart in the first few seconds made me cringe! I have never stepped inside a Walmart store… but I’ve come to see that ‘when Walmart talks, suppliers listen’... That is SO Sad! Because Walmart drastically makes the vendors undercut their costs/profits, I can’t understand how they can continue business as a supplier to W.M., seems to me they have to undercut their Quality in order to stay in business working with W.M.

According to my hubby, the Triangle of business is
‘Cost / Quality / Time’
ONE of these will ALWAYS be the weakest of the three…

From charity dasenbrock on Fri, January 28, 2011

It was a good answer, I think. I agree, that I wish the question would have been more about some of the root issues, like GMOS or subsidies but I liked his answer. And, putting in a plug for the First Lady, it is great that food and nutrition are what she focuses on. I love them both!

From MICHAEL RYAN on Fri, January 28, 2011

A long winded answer to a question the Pres. had not anticipated. His heart is in the right place but I would have been more impressed if he cited at least one action for the future, rather tha ‘what we are doing’

From Blackhorse on Fri, January 28, 2011

Once the Monsanto goons get through with the small farmer, there won’t BE any local produce available for Walmart.  For shame.  We are doomed.

From egscruggs on Fri, January 28, 2011

Our school lunch programs are still pathetic….mostly batter processesed main courses, and VERY few choices.

From Mary Jo on Fri, January 28, 2011

I can see that he didn’t want to answer this question. The real answer to this dilemma is too great a shock to the corporate interests involved in creating this cheap, ubiquitous, so-called food supply in this country. It’s a political issue of the greatest importance to this country. The President has a lot of concerns on his agenda, but just letting the First lady do this is not enough. There needs to be large public service campaigns letting people know what’s happening to them.

From Lukasz Lempart on Fri, January 28, 2011

Stop subsidizing corn and meat. Subsidize nutrient rich fruits and vegetables instead.

From Aaron King on Fri, January 28, 2011

Walmart has everything to do with the answer.  Walmart responds to consumer demand.  Consumer demand shifts.  Walmart shifts.  If you want to talk about getting higher quality food to low income people then Walmart would be a pretty good avenue of doing this.

From Mary Phipps-Seward on Fri, January 28, 2011

Americans need to wake up.  President Eisenhower warned us about the looming Military/Industrial complex.  That complex has been trumped by a Corporatocracy.  Profits and happy shareholders are the bottom line.  NOTHING else matters to those in power and those in power are not the politicians.  It’s a whole new world out there, people.  We’re still thinking with the minds of a democratic society.  But, I fear that is long gone. Our current government system is little more than a throwback….a show that keeps up distracted and impotent while the real “government” marches on.  I’m worried.

From Mary Jo on Fri, January 28, 2011

It’s true that the poor are affected to a greater degree (like they always are) by the fake food supply. BUT this is an issue that affects ALL people living in this country! Our food supply is no longer real. Unless you take great pains to shop, you will be ingesting toxic substances. This is wrong. We need to stand up and say STOP! Stop buying anything that is processed for our convenience. Learn to cook. That is the goal of the Slow Food Movement.

From P.G. on Fri, January 28, 2011

This response is rather disappointing.  As long as commodities continue to fund cattle feedlot corn with such abundance that resulted in the High Fructose Corn Syrup industry, and not fruits, vegetables and whole grains for people the shift of food economies will be stalled.  To mandate more healthy foods in schools, while only providing reimbursements of less than $3 per meal, does little to solve the lack of affordable, real food. Nor does WalMart labeling food as “healthy.”  Most foods labeling is going on processed foods - not whole, natural foods.  A great deal of processed “healthy food” is so overly processed and manipulated you need a chemistry degree to read the label.

From Bonnie on Fri, January 28, 2011

Shouldn’t FrootLoops cost less because they are WORTH LESS (nutritionally)?

From Chad on Fri, January 28, 2011

I just wish it was a better question.  I mean really, how is the president supposed to answer a question that asks him “how are you going to make apples cheaper than wheat?” I don’t think there is a real way to do it.  That’s why it’s up to those of us in slow food to encourage people to simply value their nutrition enough to pay for local produce instead of mass produced Wal-Mart garbage.  We can’t put the responsibility on the pres to make apples cheaper than wheat, right?

From Sandra Hagen on Fri, January 28, 2011

trickle up, boo hoo!  Let’s have some strong trickle down policies…..... First,
Change the Nixon, Earl Butz agricultural policies…..... Second, initiate a healthy “back to the small farms” reality…  sort of a new frontier movement… It is time for Americans to take back their lands… moving to cities is NOT an answer, the only inevitable thing I see, is that we (people) need to eat, so we need to be keeping our agricultural lands and moving them into more hands, not the fewer hands of Corporation Agriculture…...  Third, work FOR the people, not for corporations and greed.

From Emily on Fri, January 28, 2011

Oh hooray, his first comment was to highlight WalMart. Excellent. WalMart will make “healthier” foods available, yet still under pay everyone from the farmers to their own employees. Everyone except their shareholders.

From Debra on Fri, January 28, 2011

I am enjoying reading all the above comments, and clearly I have much more to learn re: where our food comes from and how it is grown.  I saw the movie Food,Inc (quite disturbing) and wonder if President Obama saw it. I don’t think this issue is top on his list.  However,I am pleased that Michelle Obama has taken on the nutrition and obesity issue, bringing that issue to the forefront.  After seeing her garden (from afar)at the White House, I came back and got an organic garden started on our church grounds (soil tested) to grow veggies for a local food pantry.  I mention this because Michelle’s example is empowering to others, whether individuals or groups, to take positive actions.If promoting better food choices (Apples over Fruit Loops)can come to a place like WalMart, which can reach a wide socio-economic range, that is a start.  As a retired teacher(who included basic nutrition information in my curricula), I winced at the quantity of Little Debbie type snack items brought in many of my student’s sack lunches, this along with a “fruit” roll-up (more like a high fructose corn syrup roll-up), a boxed “fruit” drink, and PB & J on white bread.  I kept a bag of apples and carrots in my classroom closet when all this got to be too much to witness, and the kids really loved getting those.  I think there is some good to be gotten via the WalMart connection, mainly because of their accessibility and lower cost.

From Gary M on Fri, January 28, 2011

It is important to support local farmers so folks can have access to fresh local produce. It is also important to stop the use of GM products, plants, trees and animals.

The government shouldn’t be involved; stop paying subsidies to large corporate farms. And eliminate the inheritance tax which causes small family farms to have to sell all or part of their farms.

Abolish the Dept. of Agriculture.

The government and large corporations don’t care about our health; for them it is politics and profit!

From Kathryn Profera on Fri, January 28, 2011

It’s a good starting point, but I agree with the first writer. GMO corn and syrup, GMO soybeans- we don’t need these and Monsanto is responsible. My other concern is we live in the desert Southwest. There are no farms here to buy fresh produce, and all I see in the market is fruit and vegetables from other countries. MY QUESTION IS:  MANY OF THESE COUNTRIES DON’T FOLLOW OUR EPA REGULATIONS ON CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS/PESTICIDES. HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT PESTICIDES THEY’RE USING SINCE THEY DON’T HAVE TO REGULATE THESE? HOW DO WE KNOW OUR FOOD IS TRULY SAFE? WHAT WILL YOU HAVE CORPORATIONS WHO SUPPLY OUR FRESH FOODS COMPLY?

From Wadewords on Fri, January 28, 2011

Good answer, but more specifics need to be addressed. . . i.e. Monsanto crowding out small farmers by demanding they use Monsanto’s genetically modified seeds.  And, how about subsidizing the small farmers the way that Big Agra is subsidized? And most important, stop runaway development such as we’ve had here in Phoenix so that valuable crop land is not eaten up by pavement and buildings.

From Dick on Fri, January 28, 2011

I felt that the answer was reasonably good, but everyone needs to start focusing on the Farm Bill and the terrible consequences of our ag subsidies.  It’s such an obvious area to save some dollars in the budget and not to incent food programs that deliver some truly bad results.

From Todd on Fri, January 28, 2011

Convenience is what is killing us! Remember, every time you purchase processed food and inorganic produce you are voting!

Change the way you eat and it will change what is being sold to you!

From Michelle Novak on Fri, January 28, 2011

A nice babystep in the right direction.  You want affordable healthy food for everyone, stop paying insane amounts of money in subsidies to the corn, meat and dairy industries.  Put the same amount of money into nourishing our land instead of depleting and destroying it with chemical fertilizers and pesticides.  Its’s not rocket science.  Fruits, vegetables, grains can be very cheap and economical for all if the gov’t will stop making unhealthful meat and dairy artificially cheap.

From Sarah Frederick on Fri, January 28, 2011

As a former employee of Morrison Management Specialists (owned by The Compass Group - who also owns Bon Appetit) they do have initiatives in place that promote buy local, organic, etc. In the years I worked there they went to “no trans fats” and “only cage free eggs” as a World-wide company not to mention the other initiatives that were coming through the pipeline when I left.

That said, I think that the President should read The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan and do something about the government’s perpetuation of CHEAP CORN for Coca-Cola, Cargill and the other companies that use it to produce the CHRAP food that OVERFLOWS with unhealthy and empty calories.

As long as the government keeps paying the farmers to produce more and more corn it will continue to drive corn prices down and the “food scientists” will find more and more ways for us to consume it.

From lynn byrd on Fri, January 28, 2011

Cheeky question, and kudos for getting the President’s ear. However, I wish you had asked about clean, safe food. An apple isn’t just an apple anymore. Putting more conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables in schools means exposing our children to danger.

From Peter B on Fri, January 28, 2011

The president’s response was disappointing, but, unfortunately, not surprising. On agriculture policy, he has shown an unpleasant pattern of putting out nice window dressing (the first lady’s garden, an organic garden in front of USDA, Debora Merrigan’s small grants for local agriculture) that does nice things on a miniscule scale, and then filling the most powerful posts at USDA in a way that further empowers the agrobusiness elite.  Our country is paying the price with green house gas emissions of big ag, the low quality food it produces, the undercutting of small farmers who can’t and won’t push their way to the government subsidy trough, the increasing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico caused by agricultural run-off, and other maladies too numerous to list.  Obama a socialist? Hardly. More like a corporate capitalist shill.

From Vic on Fri, January 28, 2011

I agree with others who said it was a poor question and that fruit costs more because it is worth more. As for ending or changing the subsidies, perhaps that should have been the question. How can the farm subsidy dollars being spent by the federal government be used to promote healthy foods like fresh fruit, not overly processed junk like Fruit Loops?

From Ron on Fri, January 28, 2011

The farm bill is where the president has some pull. Nutrition is a huge issue, but I’m not sure it’s fair to ask the president how to get people to eat their fruits and vegetables. That he quickly mentioned three efforts is impressive. I would have asked about the long-standing problems in the farm bill.

From tami on Fri, January 28, 2011

I feel the next step for the First Lady is to create and educational program which would start with those who receive SNAP allocations.  Maybe also limiting SNAP to allow the purchase of “real” food instead of most anything in the grocery store would too lead to better choices.  I am grateful that many farmers markets and health food stores accept SNAP now, that’s a step forward.  Now to get those using them to make the right choice for their family.

From EatingEarth on Fri, January 28, 2011

It is hard to be on U-tube and gardening at the same time. Although, we might be able to introduce these systems into activities such as a gardening resistant touch scree. A smart phone will not feed you whereby some seeds and a shovel can and do it in a healthy manner. I’m taking the time to join in on the rhetoric from the greenhouse now. This is my new entertainment center by the way! It has enhanced the value of my home, tax free. It was even cheaper. I’m even imagining a public greenhouse instead of a movie theater. So what computer gaming system did you buy your tot today?

From Tracy W. on Fri, January 28, 2011

All I heard was blah, blah, blah, blah. No real action. No plan. Progress with Walmart to make their processed garbage with less sodium is not going to repair the broken links in our food chain.

From Holly on Fri, January 28, 2011

We need to stop subsidizing farmers so that people selling grass fed beef and organic produce have a chance to compete. Right now the prices are too disparate to encourage treating our world right.  If we can shrink that price gap by stopping farm subsidies for poorly produced products (corn, beef, pork) we will all be healthier.

From John Turenne on Fri, January 28, 2011

Great question (and props) Josh.  It seemed as though President Obama first struggled with how to frame his answer, then quickly shifted to promoting fresh fruits & vegs (great). But no real focus on the real reason things like Fruit Loops are so cheap - subsidies.

From Bonnie on Fri, January 28, 2011

Music to my ears!!  Speaking of ears, I would have also liked to have heard the president say that gov’t will stop subsidizing genetically modified ears of corn and start giving those billions of dollars to organic farmers.

From Amelia Coulter on Fri, January 28, 2011

Not the best answer Ive ever heard, but its fine. The issues are out there, and the crises in our food production and our systems of distribution won’t be going away, and at least they are starting to be in mainstream conversation. I cant stand walmart and wont shop there, but they chose Walmart because they are where a HUGE percent of our population gets things, and gets food, and it is a powerful economic entity. When that company makes decisions, the producers of their products are forced (for better and worse) to get in line or risk losing the largest outlet for their business. So it is a step. Yes, there needs to be attention paid to subsidies, small food producers and systems, and education/school lunches, etc. This is an economic issue and a cultural one. People will keep making a cheap/and comfortable choice. There is a complicated array of class issues at work as well. PSAs, education, and partnerships with schools and wider distribution of fresh foods can help.

From Brad on Fri, January 28, 2011

That sounded more like a commercial for the giant chain grocery store.  How much did they pay you to say that?

From Dolores on Fri, January 28, 2011

Lets start cutting the corn and soy subsidies.  The question was not a specipic enough.  However, the end result,of course, is a better educated public.

From Amy Peters on Fri, January 28, 2011

The “free market” - left to its own devices will destroy this country - as we just saw in the collapse of our financial system. It will happen again and again and the rich will get richer and the middle class will become (or have become) the working poor. Less government regulation is not the panacea. Without gov’t regulation, we would have pollution like China does. We would not have clean water to drink - anywhere. As we regulate less, we get sicker and sicker and poorer and poorer.

From Elizabeth on Fri, January 28, 2011

I think it all sounds good, but really good food and it’s distribution is still a grass roots movement, and it’s up to the farmers and the people to make change

From Karen Freeman on Fri, January 28, 2011

The reason his answer is disappointing is because he says that he has already addressed the issue. Implication: nothing more needs to be done.

From Jennifer Humbert on Fri, January 28, 2011

I give Obama a C grade.  It’s clear that he was caught unprepared for this question and his response indicates that the issue is near the top of his agenda.

From Stephanie on Fri, January 28, 2011

Mr. Obama was definitely caught off guard, and gave a round-about answer that basically said nothing because basically he’s done nothing.  Lucky for him he has a wife who is dedicated to the cause and he could fall back on HER work.

Suggested steps: STOP the subsidies to big agriculture, dairy, meat, etc.  Currently the government will provide $700/mo for fresh fruits & veggies as snacks to schools which have 35% low-income families; lower that threshold so more schools can participate.  Set up school breakfast & lunch program in all schools modeled after the Friday Harbor WA High School program: 2 years ago they were deliberating whether to cut the lunch program because they were losing so much money on the typical govt-subsidized foods.  Now they are in the black, making every meal fresh from scratch using locally-grown foods and without outside funding or subsidies.  More kids are eating at school, taking their new-found preference for good quality food home to parents; there’s less truancy because the kids are staying on campus; less waste because pre- & post- consumer waste goes back to the farms for compost, chicken & pig feed.  It’s a win-win program for everyone.

If it can be done here, it can certainly be done elsewhere. Stop the subsidies, put the money into helping people eat local.

From Sheryl W Turgeon on Fri, January 28, 2011

President Obama is scratching the surface of an issue that runs deep. We need to revise the Farm Bill so that nutritious foods are subsidized and those with dangerous chemicals like high fructose corn syrup are not.

The key is to support, promote and eat whole, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. When everyone has easy access, we’ll be a much healthier society.

From Emily Mendoza on Fri, January 28, 2011

An effort to clarify what I meant and how it didn’t come out in what I said:

I want the government to give money to farmers, small business farmers, to help them improve the way crops are harvested, and transported to local markets to be sold back at reasonable and affordable prices for everyone. Besides the fact that I don’t believe the Bank bailouts really did anything to help the people that suffered the most, I also don’t think the government put enough control into how that money was used.
If grants were given to farmers and family farms, then these farms would have more money to spend on the resources they don’t have but desperately need. In California, in my home town, we have had 10 farm closures in the last three years because farmers did not have the money to buy up the land surrounding them to use for the cattle or livestock. As a result, the animals were forced into unbearable conditions, and then later these farms were closed by the health department for not having enough space to each animal.
So why, why, why can’t the government give loans to these types of farms, these kinds of people to help them support themselves and the valleys that rely on these farms? My home town lost a lot of revenue because these farms closed down and took the local farmer’s markets with them, a chief source of natural foods, income, and education about where food comes from.

From Jennifer M. Hall on Fri, January 28, 2011

a very thin response to a very deep problem

agree with the sentiments of disappointment and disconnectedness over the decisions to simultaneously promote “heathy” foods and approve GE alfalfa and GE salmon

just doesn’t add up

From Stacy Hairfield on Fri, January 28, 2011

I think Obama means well BUT this administration’s food policy is to local foods what No Child Left Behind was to education.

It’s not my job to judge his heart BUT there is no acknowledgement of GMO’s and I heard nothing about honesty in food labeling.

Are they turning a blind eye to Monsanto and hoping the “average” American never catches on? Or is this truly the BEST they can do?

Either way we had better take care of the local food producers in our own communities and NOT rely upon or wait for Federal Government to do it.

AND no money to farmers. It doesn’t come without strings attached. How do you think Monsanto got it’s hold on the market- government subsidised farming and Monsanto writing our nations food policy.

From yvonne717 on Fri, January 28, 2011

Why wasn’t there a question about Codex, GMOs, etc?

From Wanda Barras on Fri, January 28, 2011

The government (National & State) needs to be more supportive of us small dairy farmers. Regulations are too strict and geared to big dairy companies.

Allow us to bring our fresh raw milk products directly to the consumer and the consumer to our product.
Testing and on sight inspections are welcome. Documentation of each every raw milk product sold on farm could be easy to set up. We, the farmer, believe in the health of our animals and the natural high quality of our milk and milk products.

Our family drinks our own raw milk. We eat our raw milk cheeses and yogurt. Why is it that the family down the road, who is dedicated to eating healthy or just like the taste of a minimally processed raw food, stop by our farm and LEGALLY purchase our raw milk and raw milk products?

From Shannon Yale on Fri, January 28, 2011

He did not address how to make fresh foods more accessible to the population. Yes, it is great that large companies such as Wal-Mart are joining in to make America a bit healthier. But how are these connections going to be made from local farmers to stores, and how will they be affordable to people?

From Allan on Fri, January 28, 2011

Let’s cut the guy some slack. We could be asking John McCain the same question right now and be even less satisfied with the answer. We need to continue our local efforts and remember that the climate at the top is rife with special interest money and lobbyists.
If he can change the paradigm at Walmart, then perhaps the people who have never heard of Slow Food will become more aware that they have options they hadn’t considered before.

From Marcy on Fri, January 28, 2011

Blah, Blah, BLah.  Typical politician.  This is not an issue he cares about or has any intention of making a priority.  Communities have to take it into their own hands and stop thinking the government is capable of helping us on every issue.  The government is owned by big corporations who will continue to make money from the little people slowly poisoning themselves by eating their mass produced HFCS products.

From Mark on Fri, January 28, 2011

How about not hiring former Monsanto employees into your cabinet and allowing the agricultural terrorism against our farmers. He is such a fake, worthless shell of a man… and that’s debatable.

From yvonne717 on Fri, January 28, 2011

@ Mark - how true!
He has not intention of creating true change within the food system. I gave up on regulatory agencies sometime ago - they don’t regulate! I buy all foods locally grown, and even ask farmers what seeds they use. Monsanto is acquiring seed companies aggressively. Buy clean seeds.

From Jim Markle on Fri, January 28, 2011

Over the years we have found ways to access fresh fruits and vegetables from a variety of sources ranging from a home garden to food coops. Currently, we participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA ) which is far better than most suppermarkets. However, it’s not something that low income families can afford. Yes, the president has the right idea, and his wife is doing a great job, but we need to do a better job of educating families and making fresh produce more affordable than fast food! We must turn the tide against corporate farms importing produce from foreign countries and focus more on locally grown produce. We can start by eliminating government funding for corporate owned farms and doing more to support family owned farms.

From Shane on Fri, January 28, 2011

Did he answer any question?  His teleprompters didn’t do a very good job feeding him information and he couldn’t pick it up either!
When he addresses the HUGE GMO problem we have here in the US then he may be getting some idea as to what is happening to our food supply. After all other countries can see the light and ban them even from entering their country.  We need to require labeling and destroy them from our society.

From Jana Cruder on Fri, January 28, 2011

He did not answer the question, he said well I’m not doing much but lets highlight what the 1st lady is doing to help this issue and her deal ” DEAL ” with WALMART ( Come on! )
What programs! Local farmers are being PAID not to farm their land so we can import our produce and rely on other countries.
We have the ability to feed out nation w/o importing other produce and relying on other countries. If we encourage farmers to grow, organically produces sustainable crops it can be done!

From Kelly Childs on Fri, January 28, 2011

Great job to Josh! Not so great job to Obama. I am with all those looking for actual results which should include not subsidizing corn, and not kow towing to corporate, especially biotech, intersts AND better policy for small sustainable farmers.  AND it’s disgraceful, as Mechelle from Seven Gables Farm pointed out to me last night, that we feed animals in zoos better than children in schools!

From jlmarks on Fri, January 28, 2011

I’d give his answer a 3 or a 4, not much on substance. I agree w/ what others have said here, the problems are a) subsidies for corn & soy; b) lack of support for local producers/markets; and c) lack of public awareness and education on how food is produced.
Mr. President, read this book, Kitchen Literacy:
http://web.me.com/avileisis/Kitchen_Literacy/Kitchen_Literacy.html

From Karen O'Mara on Fri, January 28, 2011

How about stopping FEDERAL government programs that PAY farmers (or should I say “landowners”) NOT to grow food? And Federal government programs that pay local constituencies to “conserve” their land instead of use it for agriculture? Doesn’t it make you wonder why LAND in a state like Arkansas with its wonderful climate/growing season is mainly owned by federal and state governments and not producing food for its citizens—

From Rick B on Fri, January 28, 2011

Amy, LukasZ, MichaelB and Andi -I agree it’s all about corn.  The USA must stop the subsidy of ethanol. Making 1 gallon of ethanol uses the equivalent of about 1-1/3 gallons of oil. Poor peasants in third world counties are also going hungry because of the imbalances in corn production. Corn products (from animal feed to corn syrup) in our American diet is a big problem that can be solved if Congress has the will. Walmart will not solve the problem - the are only responding to shifting market demand.

From Lynsey on Fri, January 28, 2011

I wasn’t all that impressed with his answer. Anyone who know about the dire situation of our food industry knows that he didn’t really know what he was talking about. I would have liked for him to address the large agribusiness issues that we have but instead he actually promoted a large business, Walmart, which in my mind (maybe falsely) does not drive the cost of produce or alter farming methods all that much.

Glad to see it was addressed however too bad it wasn’t a great answer.

From David on Fri, January 28, 2011

WALMART….REALLY? good avoid.

From Teresa on Fri, January 28, 2011

The President’s response was pathetic. How many billions of dollars are spent annually by the US Department of Agriculture to subsidize industrialized food and food commodities.  That money is not being used to produce more or better food crops but to subsidize food corporations, chemical corporations (Monsanto just this week) and commodity crops (including CAFOs).  Stop giving tax money to the corporations to produce this garbage in the first place.

From Joan P on Fri, January 28, 2011

His comments were very staged and showed no real knowledge of what is happening with produce from farm to market.

From Linda T. on Fri, January 28, 2011

I think President Obama’s answer was a good start, and I hope more is done. Yes, he needs to address GMOs, but that’s not what the question was about.

I do think that since so many people shop at places like Walmart’s that Michelle Obama made a good start as well. You can’t expect people who eat junk food to suddenly shop at Whole Foods.

From Jenny Pompilio on Fri, January 28, 2011

President Obama is well read and knowledgeable about the current state of the food system.  He is just selling out to agribusiness, and other corporations who control American politics, and hence our government.  I hate to be cynical, especially since I voted for him, but many of his major decisions over the last two years have pushed me this way.  Especially Vilsack and the USDA allowing GMO giants to corrupt our food and organic standards…

From Louis on Fri, January 28, 2011

The question couldn’t have been clearer, as a fine politician, he didn’t answer it which makes me think the subsidies to the corn and soy industries are going to continue. As far as Walmart’s new marketing, I don’t see how he or his governement should claim any credit for it, even if the first lady showed-up at the press conference. Good PR for the whitehouse though.

From Penelope Blackmer on Fri, January 28, 2011

Well, I do appreciate the efforts the president mentioned, but it appears he has a poor understanding of the issue of local, healthy, fresh and nutritious food, and the ways the USDA and big business are driving our food supply AWAY from local healthy fresh and nutritious food.

His reference to the First Lady’s accomplishment re Wal Mart means not much in a week when Whole Foods, Organic Valley and associated organic corporations and organizations aquiesced to GMO alfalfa.

The president’s own Secretary of Agriculture does not support fresh healthy local and nutritious, because he is of agri-business, and serves corporate interests rather than human interests.

The president’s answer put me in mind of the old question about funding wars with bake sales, and schools with what’s left of our national resources.

Sad, is what I thought of it

From Peg Champion on Fri, January 28, 2011

First, thanks to Josh and the staff at Slow Food USA for coming up with a question - and the props - that was deemed clever enough to be included!

This issue is extremely complex; I don’t think there is one question, or one answer, that will suffice. Those who understand the complexity need to “start the conversation” - and that’s exactly what Josh was trying to do here.

I agree that we should focus next on the Farm Bill to eliminate agribusiness subsidies and redirect funds to healthy, organic food producers. And, I also agree that labeling is crucial in our fight to end GMOs.

In addition to our work on national policy issues, we must work locally to educate folks and encourage a cultural shift. I care deeply about this issue and so I feel a responsibility to share my knowledge with those within my circle of influence and to increase that circle - and I urge others to do the same!

From Max Genus on Fri, January 28, 2011

Sorry, but allowing the USDA to approve genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa which, in turn will mean heavy use of “RoundUp” which years of research has been found to be harmful to any living thing nearby (after all it’s meant to KILL - this alfalfa is modified to withstand that toxin - glyphosphate).

With the right hand you state that efforts are being made to provide healthier choices (Walmart, local produce to underserved areas) while with the left you approve unnatural crops that will be dusted with poison!?

What good is providing cheap, local food if it is not healthy for your kids or the environment we are leaving them?

From Laura Hedlund on Fri, January 28, 2011

The alfafa rulling is very disappointing.  We need to work harder and smarter.

From David Schwartz on Fri, January 28, 2011

The President’s response struck me as standard Obama rhetoric.  He said the right things, but until we are willing to take on the big dogs of agribusiness we’ll not address the issue of feeding people - and not just in the U.S. - reasonably priced, healthy food.  On the other hand, JOSH WAS GREAT!

From Jeri Clackett on Fri, January 28, 2011

We as consumers and activists need to get a little more real.  Proposing that we get back to eating what we grow within 100’ of our back door (to quote one respondant above) is even more simpleminded than President Obama hoping Walmart labels will help consumers.  Most people know what a balanced diet should look like.  So I agree - cut the subsidies to agri-business.  If you want to be a progressive then ‘means test’ the subsidy recipients.  But don’t go to the other extreme.  A ‘right wing’ agenda that says get government out of everything doesn’t work either.  Capitalism is not at it’s heart compassionate.  People are - and people get the government they work for.  So raise your awareness - support CSAs and find other ways to put your money where your mouth is…

From C. Harris on Fri, January 28, 2011

Same ol’ empty rhetoric!  The attempt at smooth speaking with no substance behind it.

From Joang on Fri, January 28, 2011

Mr. President here are some simple and effective suggestions to start with: Start by giving Tax Breaks to all Organic Farmers, subsidize all increases in their efforts to increase the quality and quantity of their organic food production. Subsidize local organic farmers that sell to local schools, restaurants and grocery stores of any kind or size. And give tax breaks AND subsidies to any food service vendors that offer organic products to educational food programs. That would be a start and help heal the earth and it citizens.

From Tony Bell on Fri, January 28, 2011

That’s it?  Let’s leave it to WalMart and corporations to teach us how to eat ???  Where is education?  Why don’t schools teach nutrition ?  Pass the Fruitloops please !

From Michele on Fri, January 28, 2011

Food is a very powerful political tool.  We all need it to survive.  Who ever controls it controls Washington and the world. Eventualy that will be Monsanto.

From marilyn beidler on Fri, January 28, 2011

I am not convinced that Obama really understands what healthy food is.
I don’t think that his wife really really is in to Organic and healthy foods, but rather it is just her mission/hobby to be involved in something that seems kind of a noble cause while her husband is in office.  I need to boycott Wholefoods or at least write them a letter regarding condoning GMO foods—Wholefoods has sold out.  As I see it,  all of the activists have a long hard road ahead.  I saw that there was a Wikileaks document:  you can search it out, re:  U.S. government punishes European Union for avoiding GMOs.  I saw that about 5 weeks ago.

Glad you got to interview Obama….but, we need to keep after him to make some changes, if they will happen…..

From Stacy Alexander on Fri, January 28, 2011

I’m sorry…but the President named A LOT of things that will have a pronounced effect on the situation.  The persuading of Walmart to serve healthier foods will help the farmers tremendously.  Almost everything he said will help the farmers. 

Lay off.  This is a great President.

From Susan on Fri, January 28, 2011

Andi, above, says it most succinctly: “It’s about the corn, Obama! Stop subsidizing the corn!” http://learningandyearning.wordpress.com/2011/01/01/corn-injustice/

From Gail Talbot on Fri, January 28, 2011

So we will have fresh vegetables and fruits, sprayed with pesticides, grown in soil that has been depleted of nutrients by genetically modified seeds and we can wash them down with water that has been contaminated by the production processes.  We can eat meat that has grazed on GMO alfalfa and finished on GMO corn and our brain cells will continue to deteriorate as well as our ability to reproduce and, soon, the non-action by this and all the former administrations will come to the station long after the train has left.
Great speech and, I mean no disrespect, but it is what it is and Wal-Mart dressed in savior’s clothing is still a goat. Appointments like Tom Vilasack’s drown out lofty statements.  Words mean something, and actions speak louder.  We ARE listening, but the static is overwhelming.

From Carol V. on Fri, January 28, 2011

The one thing that scares me the most is the adulteration of the food supply by GMO-altered foodstuffs. Could they be the underlying cause of the increase in food-related allergies? Why do you think that Europe outlawed their use? Healthy food starts at the molecular level and should be the birthright of all. We must not only ensure that every American has access to fresh fruit and vegetables, but that the food is safe to eat.

From Tom A Reynolds on Fri, January 28, 2011

Dear President and Mrs. Obama,
I love your amazing quick wit and agility. I can almost say for certain that you comprehend (grok) how the world is many chemicals in play, many in agribusiness, not probably not as many as in buildings and autos. Certainly not more than medicine. Lacking the requisite background in science and agribusiness, many are quick to (seem to urge) abandoning the very ag-chemicals that make apples and fruitloops affordable, and yes, healthy. People forget that insects spread viruses, and disease. I suppose those people would like rodenticides banned too. Let’s ban spray paint and shampoo while we’re at it. It is merely ignorance. The US does EXTREMELY well regulating chemicals entering the grocery products we consume. Irrigation + fertigation experts such as I work to reduce inputs of water, fertilizer, and energy non-profitably, with abundance, yet, without needless harm to our communities. Ignore those drama kings and queens. Thanks.

From Laura on Fri, January 28, 2011

One human can only do so much.  The challenge is not in expecting our government to correct the problem, but to understand that we must take our power back one person at a time.  We as Americans have allowed the state of our reality to happen, by to many not paying attention to what has been occurring, for far to long. Now is the time to reverse the process in a peaceful manner, in overwhelming numbers.  I wonder how many of you reading this have picked up the phone or wrote to every single company you purchase food or drink from clearly communicating what it is that you want, and that you will not purchase their products if they do not comply.  How many of you are doing your part to educate others about GMO’s, so they too will do their part in turning this around.  Are you doing your very best?  I am not saying not to voice your opinion loudly to our government, but to make sure our time and energy is used wisely in having the numbers of people it will take to change this. Americans are a tough group of people.  We can do this people, regardless of how the outer appears.  Change starts with each of us, it is everyones responsibility to do our best, and not expect others to fix it for us.  Blessings to all!

From Jean Wiseman on Fri, January 28, 2011

I was not happy when the president made Tom Vilsack Secretary of Agriculture because of his loyalties to big business. Today he showed his colors when he favored, or at least agreed to, allowing genetically modified alfalfa to be commercially cultivated without restriction although opposed by organic growers.

I think SlowFood should call the President and Mrs. Obama to account for this and for the Vilsack appointment at all when I am sure there were better options.

From Vegan Dan on Fri, January 28, 2011

Blah. Blah.  Interesting ideas that didn’t address the question. What is President OBAMA actually doing to address these issues?

support small farmers
support organics, strengthen the definition
get rid of the corporate welfare subsidies!

From Renee on Fri, January 28, 2011

I think the first steps are being taken, but I’m worried that this healthy food topic is getting stuck in the “idea phase” and it’s not actually being pursued by the administration in an aggressive way.

From Stacey on Fri, January 28, 2011

That was a bunch of nothing.  He, like many in America, are uneducated in the area of health and food.  Hopefully soon he can show some concern in this area whether it concerns him personally or not, because what matters is that it concerns us.

From Tom A. Reynolds on Fri, January 28, 2011

I feel all your pain. I really do. It is no fun being afraid all the time of things you have not studied in detail, had peer reviewed, and passed regulatory hurdles yourself. It sounds to me like terms like gene-splicing and N-myristoyltransferanse are troubling to you.
  Without your own research, that you have subjected to peer-review, how can your even begin any such discussion?
  I for one believe that America’s finest at Harvard Medicine, Cornell, MIT,at the NIH, the EPA, the NSF, the FDA, and yes, Dupont and Monsanto, have these bases pretty well covered. In the words of Johnson (1709-1784) “The supreme end of education is expert discernment in all things, the power to tell the good from the bad, the genuine from the counterfeit and to prefer the good and the genuine to the bad and the counterfeit.”

From Abbey Floyd on Fri, January 28, 2011

What a crock. Obama doesn’t care. Getting Walmart to label products isn’t the answer. And, as has been stated by others already, we need to seriously think about how “healthy” is defined now that pesticides and genetically-modified crops have become parts of our diets (in many cases, unwittingly for the consumers).

From Di Anna on Fri, January 28, 2011

What was said in the comment section is much better than anything the President had to say.  Does he get it at all?  Sometimes I think he just doesn’t get it.  Let’s talk about the Farm Bill, subsidies, agribusiness, Monsanto, GMO’s, USDA.  “Follow the money,” Mr. President.  Just follow the money.

From Carissa on Sat, January 29, 2011

Crock of crap…  nice answer, NO answer, just a round about way of “answering” questions just like ALL politicians.  Sickening what this is coming to.  We are NO LONGER FREE, that is for sure!

From Sheila on Sat, January 29, 2011

For me he never answered the particular question.  He can only talk when someone else writes something for him as he has no idea nor is he capable of holding this position.
Disappointed but not surprised!

From Jan on Sat, January 29, 2011

Perhaps should Monsanto’s BT seeds mutate due to environmental factors to the point where they all fail down the DNA line and a global famine ensues then we will see something of substance coming from the White House on this. You cannot have a discussion about food policy in this country and not say the word Monsanto. They own the seed market! It is impossible that he is not aware of their dangers especially when the Feds just pulled all GM crops out of Northeast refuges. And Walmart? What did they get in return from Michele Obama who was on the board of one of their vendors? Yes, making their own labels to escape Federal oversight. Why not speak of the system and changing it across the board? And does this deal mean that Walmart will now be removing the McDonalds in their stores? We will not have healthier food in this country the longer it is sprayed with thousands of toxic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, invaded by GMOs and made from subsidized corn that makes us obese and diabetic.

From Mary on Sat, January 29, 2011

WOW! What a fantastic number of responses to this question! I agree with Sharon McCamy’s comment and with Lukasz Lempart’s comment. And, to Tony Bell…..schools DO teach nutrition….in HOME ECONOMICS class! I know. I taught HOME ECONOMICS classes for over thirty-two years. I agree….we need to stop funding the growing of corn. And, I personally want us to get the seed patents awarded to Monsanto…..RESCINDED!  By the way, good job, Josh.

From Kristy Webb on Sat, January 29, 2011

The President can only do so much. I applaud him for even caring and for Michelle Obama for making it a national discussion. Even if Obama did try to do something the Republicans would just squash it.

Keep acting locally and voting with you dollars and we will see big change in this area!

From J.Bardes on Sat, January 29, 2011

The first part was rediculous about Walmart!!  Who cares about Walmart…They have their own hidden agenda.  The second part was great….but actions speak louder than words…and for some reason I’m not sure I can believe him.  Hmmmmmmm…..

From Anna on Sat, January 29, 2011

What of the organic garden put in on the White House grounds within months of his election - I also think the question could have been better, specifically asking about the gmo alfalfa just approved by Sect. Vilsack & the negative impact of gmo’s on the environment. Whole Foods, Stonyfield & Organic Valley CEO’s have publicly stated they won’t stand in the way of gmo’s & said that organics & gmo’s can coexist.  Clearly they think we are stupid as this is impossible.  Pres Obama looked very uncomfortable with the subject, as he should be.  He has totally dropped the ball with regard to cleaning up our food system.  the Monsanto’s of the world will kill us all & the Pres is going to let it happen on his watch . . .

From mb on Sat, January 29, 2011

we’re talking about it and he’s talking about it and things are happening.  these are huge steps.  Rome was not built in a day.

From Richard St. Romain on Sat, January 29, 2011

Please! Consider “ERASING the board & start over when promoting health of Americans via food. I’d like to say more, but I’ll try to make summary.Please consider promoting these SIMPLE & TRUE CONCEPTS:
1.Food is primarily FUEL/ nourishment for the body to keep alive & healthy. We should tone down the lie that it should be a sexual climax every time we eat.
2. It takes a few months to “re-program” our taste to eat & ENJOY whole foods! They actually taste BETTER than manufactured, cheap foods.
3. Consider training the public (especially children) there is so much to enjoy with good health till you’re 100 years old if you eat healthy food & care about your health: Bicycling, kayaking, walking, motorcycling, seeing America, playing OUTSIDE especially with kids, art, music, reading etc.

I’d lecture for FREE if I’d only be invited to. DICK ST. ROMAIN

From Yves Crouzet on Sat, January 29, 2011

It is not easy to answer a question when you are not prepared for.
I remember Josh in a show explaining the idea of Slow Food and after that, mixing dishes and wines instead of saying lets relax eating; taking first quietly this food with this wine and after lets take this other food with this other wine.
We don’t want to mix everything the Old American way.
Sorry I have a European culture and I think that when you put more than 3 trends in a dish it is too complicated.
Let us Keep the food Simple and Stupid and tasty and social.
Even if I do not see Obama knowing much of the ideas of Slow Food, I think he is kind of an ally to our ideas.
And for now, having got this success for the nutrition of kids is a wonderful thing.
Walmart, I do not know yet what to think.

From Bill Carr on Sat, January 29, 2011

Some years ago, Wendell Berry wrote an essay titled (I think), “Think Small.” He argued that attempts at “big solutions” lead inexorably to more big problems.

The only solutions that government knows how to devise are positivistic, big solutions. I agree with those who have insisted that the government should do less, not more, in controlling the food supply.

I’ve noticed more products have abandoned HFCS—some of that shift may be attributable to understanding the problems associated with HFCS (and other additives, perhaps). But I suspect it also has to do with a growing number of people “voting with their pocketbooks” and refusing to buy unhealthy foods. “We, the people” are responsible for the safety and quality of our food.

From Katie on Sat, January 29, 2011

Im sorry, but walmart is NOT the answer to the problem. It is so much bigger than that. I cant help but NOT be satisfied with this answer.

From Yves Crouzet on Sat, January 29, 2011

Hi bill,

“We the people” I like tea but I like strong tea and I do not accept a federal regulation which forbid to drink wine before 16, so fight for that too.
We are responsible for the safety and quality of the food. But we are also responsible in educating people how to eat. We should certainly not be responsible in letting the food companies sponsoring you doing the education of ours kids with adds that could feed Africa!
What is Slow Food for you?

From Yves Crouzet on Sat, January 29, 2011

Kate,

As I said I do not know what to think about Walmart. But so far Walmart has the biggest concentration of over weighted people on its parking lot. So i am open.
You might not be satisfied with my answer because it is not an answer, it is an open comment.
Slow Food has been created in Rome (Italy) when they open a MacDo over there. The first idea of Slow Food was an alternative to fast food. Something that European know better than at least 40 years of degradation of our American way of Eating. It developed in of international action regarding nutrition and way of living.
Any initiative to educate people on nutrition or way of living seems positive to me.

From Gina on Sat, January 29, 2011

Most apples are pumped up with insidious chemicals.

From Liz on Sat, January 29, 2011

Stop the subsidies to the unhealthy foods, Mr. President.  You skirted the issue.

From Abbey on Sat, January 29, 2011

To hell with waiting on government officials to care about our nutrition. Time to grow and raise our own food. Put your lawn to real use and reduce the need to mow grass. Catch rainwater in barrels and set up compost piles. We can make a difference by buying better foods and growing what we can for ourselves.

A good site for buying non-GM seeds: seedsavers.org

If the responsibility ultimately lies with the citizens, then perhaps it’s high time we return to greater self-sufficiency. Might also give kids and retired people better ways to spend their time while making a useful contribution.

From pat mc veigh on Sat, January 29, 2011

We all heard the challenge - it is up to us.  We need to ask for and demand good healthy food.  WE need to stop accepting junk food.  WE need to push for better nutrition for ourselves, and especially for our children.  The next generation will suffer from increased diseases, obesity and lethargy unless we speak up and DEMAND better food.  It is available - now go out and get it, and eat it.  Grow it if you must!!.

From Karen Gamber on Sat, January 29, 2011

Yes it only touches the surface but it is moving in the right direction.  This addiction to crappy food has been a problem for a long time. It is not going to be solved over night.
Clearly we need to put our energy into educating each other and supporting small scale, local food production.  Grow it in your yard or you window sill or on your roof.  Ask your neighbors to help you! Help them!
Eat food produced within you local area.!
Stop subsidies to agribusiness.They are dressing up the corn in all different unhealthy way.  Give subsudies to those who really need it. Small organic operations!

From Cynthia Clotzman on Sat, January 29, 2011

I agree with Matthew Cahill, and perhaps others (but I did not read beyond Matthew’s statement, which I believe is right on). There are real costs to eating healthier food, at least at this time in history, and it will require that consumers suck it up a bit. But consumers have to WANT to do suck it up…right now hot Cheetos, Froot Loops and the like are just too popular. We need to get people to WANT healthier food.

For those who can’t afford good food,entitlement programs will be needed, at least short term. But it is better to spend the money on social programs for healthier eating than at the backend when those who can’t afford good food get diabetes or other diseases that cost taxpayers even more money.

I think most people in this country agree on this. The reason it is so hard to implement is that the Monsantos of the world have our government in a headlock. Can we become better lobbyists?

While Obama’s answer may not be exactly what we want to hear, the man has an enormously difficult job. This is going to be slow going without a Culture Shift (which will dictate where dollars are spent)along with better lobbying efforts in Washington. And that is up to all of us.

From Jill on Sat, January 29, 2011

Stop factory farming.  It is disgusting to eat the pain of sentient beings who are treated so cruelly by people who behave insanely because of their awful jobs killing all day. Even the products of animals are tainted by the visciousness of crowding the frightened creatures together, squeezing their udders raw so there is puss in the milk, cutting beaks.  We love our dogs and cats, but the way pigs are treated, who are greater in intelligence than our own pets, is horrifying, and shameful.  This is not fanaticism but opening our eyes to what is happening for greed.  Is the money worth it?

From Mary Spadaro on Sat, January 29, 2011

Clearly, President Obama is not well-acquainted with food and agriculture issues.  His response was simply to mention the feel-good initiatives that Michelle has taken on.  We need to get the farm bill to the top of his stack and get to work on him!

From John Karch on Sat, January 29, 2011

There are many things that I am sure we all agree on that needs to be addressed and Obama is aware of many. He is bottom line a politician and is therefore limited in his ability to implement many good policies. The raising of peoples consciousness by educating them is the key to change. The changes will come when people demand better food and are willing to pay the premium price necessary to purchase such food.

From Michael on Sat, January 29, 2011

Jill, get a job.

John, you obviously have a job.

From Pavlos Georgiadis on Sat, January 29, 2011

First, a big “bravo” to those that achieved for this question to be answered. No matter what Obama has anwered (or not answered)!

We should not stick too much on a politician’s broadcast, but to the fact that the issue was brought to the attention of thousands of people nationwide and worldwide. These are the people we’re working with!

So, we better start tweeting about stuff…instead of growing “stuff”...

from Slow Food Convivium Thrace, Greece

From Karen on Sat, January 29, 2011

not impressed. what about taking away subsidies for farmers and ranchers who raise things with hormones, pesticides and toxic chemicals.
what is your definition of local, mr. president?
I also think supermarkets and walmart are the problem.
Smaller producers are the ones making changes.
Maybe if we stopped giving our tax dollars to fast food establishments through subsidies on corn, wheat and soy, food costs for these places wouldn’t be so low.

From Betsy Dunn on Sat, January 29, 2011

Would it be possible to address this with a tax on products that are super processed ? I mean they tax cigaretts based upon the health issues that they pose, and the subsequent burden on the health system… I know, there are always causes and effects, and soultions so ofetn come with education, but we do need to encourage our industries to do what is right for our country.

From Karyn Moskowitz on Sat, January 29, 2011

Thanks Josh for submitting this question to the president and letting him know we are out here questioning and wanting some answers.

From Arlean Lambert on Sat, January 29, 2011

The President’s response could have been more on target, but I want to congratulate the people who phrased the question very simply and used the perfect props! 
You proved once again that any fool can be complicated, but it takes genius to be simple.

From Charlie Quaid on Sat, January 29, 2011

I found it telling that almost the first thing out of the President’s mouth was his playing up the recent “deal” with Walmart - Walmart, along with Monsanto and the rest of the Agri-business world are the source of the problems with our food delivery system. It’s clear to me whose interests get priority.

From Tom A. Reynolds on Sat, January 29, 2011

I reiterate, get more perspective through reading. Here are some from an agronomist’s perspective:
“Ishmael”, and “The Story of B” by Daniel Quinn. “The Merchants of Grain” by Dan Morgan. “The Ecology of Commerce” by Paul Hawken. “Drip and Micro Irrigation” by Charles Burt and Stuart Styles. “The Pure Water Handbook” by Osmonics, Inc.
Then visit Dupont-Pioneer Seeds Product Roadmaps page.
Then review Norman Borlaug’s Green Revolution, trying to hold a view point of a hungry person in India in 1974. Then read “The CEO Mandate” by the Pacific Institute. Then the UN’s “Water and Global Water Partnership.”

From Stephanie on Sat, January 29, 2011

While I am NOT a fan of Wal-Mart, one thing that does happen when a huge supply chain like them gets involved with an environmental issue is the scale of the impact. Since they have a global supply chain, working with them to become part of the solution is an excellent step. Their support of CFLs has made a huge dent in terms of greenhouse gases… both in them changing out their stores to CFLs to save money, and them promoting CFLs to their millions of customers who aren’t as well versed in food issues as people on this forum.

It’s only one part of the puzzle, and I’d love to see our government stop subsidizing GMO foods, corn, etc. But I actually don’t think this was a cop out, and I do think that Mrs. Obama is making a difference. Can you imagine any of this happening with Cindy McCain as First Lady?

From Anna Getty on Sat, January 29, 2011

I am not impressed my Mr. Obama’s response one bit. Completely in-authentic and not all educated on the subject. Clearly he does understand how important this issue is. The Obama Adm. has no concrete plans to make any real changes, once again it is up to the people.

From Carolyn Swanson on Sat, January 29, 2011

His words are no more than organic fertilizer.
Walmart is the worst thing to happen to small town USA.  It has closed up local business and has taken away many jobs since they no longer advertise they sell only “America- made”.  They sold out to China, and many other countries for the sake of a dollar in Walmart’s pocket.  The food products they sell are bought in large bulk for low prices and the quality speaks for itself.

From Brad Wendling on Sat, January 29, 2011

It’s great to see so many comments from concerned citizens. If you haven’t done so already, visit http://www.organicconsumers.org/action.cfm “Take, Action” about many food issues and contact manufacturers and Congress directly to influence the change we need. If enough citizens speak up change will happen.

Thanks!

From Roseann Rutherford on Sat, January 29, 2011

Wonderful that Slow Food’s question was one of only a few featured! While I think that President Obama touched on some pertinent issues, we need to begin seeing some tangible change in our communities. The label “healthy” holds about as much weight as “organic” these days.  I think the President got closer to targeting the real issue when he began talking about local farmers and locally grown food - but we are still a very long way to the finish line.  We must keep pressing for change!  Way to go Josh!

From Betty on Sat, January 29, 2011

Well, sorry, Josh, but you spoke too fast for an old lady to hear your question. For Mr. Obama, though, I must say that he at least knows what his administration - and his wife - have tried to do on this issue, in the midst of the innumerable issues that he is dealing with.
I agree with some of the comments that the recent approval of GE alfafa is the latest in the series of BAD decisions made by a government agency regarding healthy food. How far can they go before the U.S. is full of people too sick to work??

From Eric Schletewitz on Sat, January 29, 2011

Dear Mr President,
    Agriculture needs many people to work the various jobs. Our towns are litterd with abandond packaging plants that evreyone used to work at. We need a new farm econmy that rewards the farmers who take the risk to grow natural food.You think detroit has it bad take a look around here.
Land is fallow and many farmers see no hope for a future.
Maybe family farms need a bail out.
    We should fund reachearch for natural pesticides. We need modern tools that seem unatainable/cost prohibitive. We need access to capital. most farmers like my self dont fit in the box.
    Why do we subisidise low risk/highly storable crops and leave farmers who grow capital intense highly perishable crops to figure it out on their own.
    Thanks for thinking.
    God bless america
    Eric Schletewitz

From Magith on Sat, January 29, 2011

I just hope the Walmart vegetables which are going to be cheaper in the future aren’t Monsanto products and are actually grown by local farmers. It would make a lot of since to lower the price of pesticide farmed fruits and veggies just in time for severe oil shocks since more people will buy healthy food if it’s cheaper and therefore help Monsanto survive while smaller cash strapped farmers will continue going out of business.

From Dorothy Green on Sat, January 29, 2011

I like all the responses. Here is yet another take.

Overeating must be regarded as an addiction.  An addiction to sugar, fat and salt.  While there are many bad ingredients in processed food and on others, it is these three substances that have been shown to be addictive to humans (rats and other animals who eat their waste )and the major cause of the huge amount of chronic preventive diseases that are breaking our health care budget.

Farm subsidies particularly to soy and corn have to be stopped as WE are subsidizing overeating of animals feed these unnatural grains because they are cheap and tasty. Then there is HFCS.

We need a tax with a message like the tobacco model.  I call it a RISK tax - Reduction in Sickness Kitty.  It can be done with sugar, fat and salt. It cannot be called “a junk food, fat, or soda tax) these do not address the real problem.  I have developed a model.
 
It is a mistake to think that efforts like Michele Obama’s or even slow food (while sorely needed) will evoke enough change - it won’t, and hence will NOT bend the healthcare cost curve.

So where will OUR GOVERNEMENT GET THE MONEY TO PAY FOR ALL THESE DISEASES, where they do now, even if we have universal health insurance and the fraud is stopped - our income tax - not from agribusiness - the pushers and not from the addicts - all of us some far more than others)who eat too much sugar, fat and salt (probably more than 80% of the population). It is not easy to avoid. 

It will take generations to change our eating culture. We need RISK to jump start the process.

Did you know that governments in other countries are already addressing this problem as a need for a tax,to stop advertizing unhealthy food or are giving their children real nutrition in school, like France.  It is a worldwide problem but we are the leaders in production and consumpton of unhealthy food and hence obesity(34%).  If we don’t change this how can our economy succeed? 

Perhaps a better video might have depicted a pusher - selling burgers, a large glass of whole milk from GMO fed cows and “twinkles cookies” to Santa Claus and and then him having a heart attack on the spot.  I don’t think that would make the president laugh.

From Becky Talyn on Sat, January 29, 2011

It was a great response. I like that he emphasized local food as well as natural, healthy food and cost. The only thing missing was emphasis on future as well as recent past.

From Tina on Sat, January 29, 2011

Obama needs to decry Monsanto as yesterday’s food producer in the same way he cited the oil companies as yesterday’s energy suppliers.

He needs to eliminate subsidies for industrial GMO food lookalikes and provide real incentives to real farmers to produce real nutritious organic food that can be purchased in season and consumed by real Americans.

From Tami on Sat, January 29, 2011

I agree that it’s about the corn. Froot Loops are made from corn! Corn, corn syrup, corn food starch! Blah blah blah!
It’s funny how he quickly tried to shift us over to his Wife!
Women get more done than men? Is that what he’s saying???? Oh, and I think women are primarily responsible for nurturing the next generation, which is why I’m responsible with what I put in front of my kids to eat.

From Glenn A. Herrick on Sat, January 29, 2011

to quote an early responder, “Wow” !!

Down the street from us, here in Bari, Italy, is a produce market who takes orders [on line, preferrably] for fresh produce available locally.  One then comes into the store and buys what was ordered.  Fresh, “bio” [a term I absolutely HATE! but I do like the concept, although genetically engineered crops are fine with me, despite the FrankenFood nonsense here in Europe], and acquired with the minimum of wasted transport costs, and supporting people around here, people we live with: “BUY LOCAL!”

The stupid food distribution system of buying in one state, what was grown in another when even more fresh, better produce is available just up the road from the farmer - that system MUST GO!

From David Bennett on Sat, January 29, 2011

Obama actually speaks the truth here.  These benefits really exist partially due to assistance the federal government.  Our farmers’ market will have EBT machines this season to help lower income people buy local produce.  Yes, there could be more programs to benefit local farmers and to connect them to customers and we all need to work hard to create and sustain them.

From Kathryn Morris on Sun, January 30, 2011

The question addressed two things: healthier food at a cheaper price. The big elephant in the room President Obama refuses to acknowledge is the fact that large corporations, namely MONSANTO, is the leading reason we don’t have those things in this country. The federal gov. still backs large corporations instead of standing up for the rights of farmers and the health of citizens.

From Sue Matson on Sun, January 30, 2011

Very weak response….did not sound like he had a full grasp of the serious sitation our food chain is in.  USDA’s decision on GE Alfalfa pretty much wipes out the hope for healthy food produced by organic, local growers.  Stop Monsanto from ruining our food supply. How about removing all subsidies to CAFOs?

From americid on Sun, January 30, 2011

how about throwing some subsidy money to small family organic farms instead of monsanto? get out of bed with monsanto and agribusiness. period.

From Jill S. on Sun, January 30, 2011

I wish he would have said, “Hey Americans, stop buying Fruit Loops and other junk.  Buy only local, organic food products and we’ll be a better country because of it.”  I appreciate the fact he addressed Josh’s question.  Let’s keep the questions flowing to all our legislators.

From Richard Lapointe on Sun, January 30, 2011

Now that everyone has emitted an opinion, will action follow? What do YOU intend to do at YOUR level? I already buy my vegetables, pork, and lamb from local producers (all organic). And then I talk about it. It’s a start…

From Colin on Sun, January 30, 2011

It’s not about what Obama SHOULD do. It’s about what he SHOULD NOT do. Corn is subsidized! So corn-based cereals are naturally cheaper. It’s not that apples are expensive, it’s that other things are artificially cheaper!

Many people here want to subsidize healthy food. What you all do not realize is that if NONE of our food was subsidized, healthy food would be WAY CHEAPER! But subsidizing certain things distorts the entire market. Don’t subsidize anything and fruits and vegetables will become cheaper. Teach people how to eat well and demand for healthy food will increase. Fruits and vegetables will become EVEN CHEAPER.

From Kristine Walker on Sun, January 30, 2011

As long as the government allows Montsano, Con-Agra and Cargill to make the rules to serve their own best interests nothing is going to improve.
  End subsidies to big business and put the money into small, family-owned farms. I don’t want to eat GMO food but thanks to the ball-less powers-that-be I don’t have a choice.
  I don’t want meat with fecal contamination, or ammonia treated meat. Just say no to the agri-giants!

From Christy on Sun, January 30, 2011

Let’s stop importing food…the reasons are endless…make it illegal!  Example, I was ready to scoop some raw pumpkin seeds from Wegman’s Nature’s Marketplace, when I noticed on the sign in very small print that it was from CHINA!  This was this past fall, in Pennsylvania, where there are farmers everywhere, even in the suburbs, that harvest pumpkins.  And after Halloween tons of unsold pumpkins rot in their fields…what a disgrace for America and Wegmans!

From Rachel on Sun, January 30, 2011

The real issue is using local farmers, and not buying produce from the cheapest supplier.  I was in Wegmans last week and 90% of it was from Mexico, and I live in an area full of local farms. We can’t drink the water in Mexico but lets eat the fruit grown in it ????  Come on ! I also saw the pumpkin seeds from CHINA at Wegmans nearby dozens and dozens of local pumpkin farms.  Our local farmers need a break and America needs to stop selling out.  Its unhealthy, unfair and ruing our health and economy and farmers all at the same time.

From Anna on Sun, January 30, 2011

is it true that Obama just signed an agreement with China that would increase imported fruit/veggies from them by 45%?

From Donna on Sun, January 30, 2011

Switch government subsidies to from rich farmers to poor farmers. I worry that the “green collar” farmer is becoming an endangered species. And, what a sad world it will be when small farmers cannot afford to sow and harvest healthy crops.
Let’s not let that happen, please.

From Hillary on Sun, January 30, 2011

That was just talk… no answer. SToP subsidizing CORN!

From Molly on Sun, January 30, 2011

Fruit loops are cheap food because they are made of corn that is subsidized by the the government. That’s what the question is about, not about how to promote healthy food.

I cannot believe that Walmart will be the solution to our local food movement. Walmart and everything it stands for is the antithesis of local food. Get real!

From Robyn on Sun, January 30, 2011

Why exactly are Froot Loops cheaper than fruit? Because our gov’t subsidizes large crops and the oil it takes to ship them nationwide. Let’s use that money to subsidize small, organic farms instead.

From britom on Mon, January 31, 2011

It is truly unacceptable to PUBLICLY endorse the most powerful retail company in North America. Wal-Mart is already a threat to food sustainability and local farmers, the last thing it needs its the support of the president. The people who need actually need funding and advertisement are the small artisan farmers that sweat in order to make our produce healthy and sustainable. By selling “organic” produce at Wal-Mart the president is only contributing to corporate sell out and further enrichment of the rich. Of course fruit loops is cheaper than real Fruit, since the government itself makes a pretty penny from subsidizing corn and soy crops.

Like Michael Pollan says: “Shake the hand that feeds you”

From Sandra Hagen on Mon, January 31, 2011

I hope along the way, our president actually gets to review at least MOST of these posts….........

From Maria on Mon, January 31, 2011

Help subsidize small farmers to grow organic produce.  Stop Monsanto from poisoning our food supply.

From Tracy Balzano on Mon, January 31, 2011

OK.  That’s nice.  But what are you going to do about Monsanto?

From Tom A. Reynolds on Mon, January 31, 2011

Something smells like it has about ripened far enough now. Damnab you, Monsanto! for not figuring out how to terminate the ripening process in fruit !!!

From Rebecca on Tue, February 01, 2011

Walmart?? Walmart??!!

From Eatinghealthyforlife on Tue, February 01, 2011

I’m so glad an intelligent, sincere and life threatening question made our President laugh. What a jerk! there is NOTHING funny about the fact that underserved neighborhoods and financially disadvantaged families, (for whatever reason that they find themselves that way - it’s the kids I’m talking about here), can afford to buy more crap to eat than healthy - AND that they believe it is perfectly ok to feed their kids- BECAUSE it is on the store shelf and our wonderful governement would’t let it be if it wasn’t? Hogwash!

I don’t want to see WalMart as a leader in the food industry - I want to see more farmers markets and urban farms - but unless or until we allow ag valuations on new city farms, you’re not going to see many urban places popping up - which means transporting the food - and increasing the price to make up for it - as the prices of fuel go crazy, b/c we use tons of petroleum products to produce and package and transport out food - to fork, avg is 1,000 miles from the farm!

I can’t stand listening to this boob. Sorry, I have no respect for him. I only hope his daughters don’t grow up smoking, like their dad, and eating fruit loops.

From Sharon Goodman on Tue, February 01, 2011

Mr. President, how about putting an end to your administration’s slavish obedience to the agenda of Monsanto and the other purveyors of frankenfoods?

http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2010/04/how-obama-sold-the-farm/38288/
http://www.grist.org/article/2011-01-31-media-reports-white-house-pressure-stomped-on-vilsack-over-gmo-a

Your hypocrisy on the entire issue of food safety is deeply disillusioning.

From Tom A. Reynolds on Tue, February 01, 2011

I find the President’s spontaneous responses right on target:
- (though not without vigilance, Michelle!), getting WalMart to express and act “Apples before Frutloops” is huge and noteworthy.
- when the President espouces how locally grown is good for local farmers, this is huge. How so many have listened to his words with such distain makes me suspect. I fear there is sedition at work here….toppling governments is in vogue, I suppose…oh right..all part of many dreams for the end days…
- when the President helps get legislation for healthy choices in school lunch programs, how is this “evil?”   
Sure, chickens and eggs are likely better in all those silly “green spaces” in everybody’s neighborhood, concurrently putting people like me back to work. Try to grok why Salinas is what it is in the Summer, and Yuma is it in the Winter. That reality is bazaar. There is no reason everybody shouldn’t grow theere own vegetables, and accept a few insects. Easterners should have invested in community green houses decades ago.
AAt Casa reynoso, we have a wonderful home garden. I produce an abundance of fresh produce myself. No, I refuse to try and produce my own Oat Meal, or brown sugar. And no, my steaks and chops should be raised within 30 miles of me, but I won’t be having any in my back yard..hee hee.
  How whole sections of land in turf is allowed to utilize resources without verified net-net-net benefits is a MUCH bigger problem. How entire neighborhoods are allowed to go without urban forest cover….now that’s a concern!

From Dean on Tue, February 01, 2011

Unforunately, I believe that “they” know exactly what is going on as far as their poisioning of the public but refuse to do the right thing because they all have $$$ in their eyes. Politicians in corporate America’s pockets make for Bad Recipes!!!!!!!  Only a catastrophe will make change. Let’s pray not too many people have to die.

From Jessie on Wed, February 02, 2011

Although a lot of people commented on the “pesticide-ridden” apples, we need to applaud small steps.  I’ve never seen a baby run before he/she can walk neither before he/she can crawl.

If I had to choose the “better of two evils,” I would choose the apple, for sure.

I can also appreciate the fact that President Obama stated that “if more producers are producung healthier foods, then it becomes cheaper to buy.”

Isn’t that what we want?  It’s difficult enough having a family on a budget to buy the “organic, pesticide-free apple” for $1.49/lb. when they can buy a conventional one for less than half the price.

Let’s stop the complaining and get to work…together.

As a fellow Brooklynite, I concur with your efforts, Josh.  Thank you for that awesome video question!!!

From Sharon Goodman on Wed, February 02, 2011

A lot of you guys are missing the point. The Obama Administration is very friendly to Monsanto and GMOs, which allow farmers to grow more food more cheaply, but there is no science out there to prove that these frankenfoods are safe to eat.  Their latest move, to deregulate GMO alfalfa, will be the death knell of organic dairy. This is very very bad for our health and for the health of the planet. We all should be calling and writing the White House to demand that they immediately change course on their agriculture policy and begin regulating GMOs aggressively. What’s the point of growing more food if the food itself is going to cause health problems (and higher health costs) down the road and make sustainable agriculture less likely to survive?

From Rachel on Wed, February 02, 2011

The question did not pertain to the First Lady’s efforts to improve child nutrition, but yours, Mr. Obama. I understand you have a limited amount of time to answer questions, but you were quite vague on how you would encourage grocery stores to supply locally grown produce to “under-served areas.” Furthermore you did not address to what extent the Child Nutrition Act would make fruits and vegetables available to school children. These internet chats seem like paltry ploys at government transparency (not that I had great expectations when I first heard about them). I have no loyalty to the Democrats for their political expediency, and I detest the Republicans as well…I suppose off to the Green Party then, although I’d just be ceremoniously throwing my ballot away.

From Tom A. Reynolds on Wed, February 02, 2011

Dean,
Like Sharon suggested: We lack the 20 to 30 years definitive evidence that GMO foods won’t lead to catastrophe. i wonder why… I paid a $0.50 per lb. premium for fresh chicken breasts raised right here in Arizona last night. I can’t afford it, but I did it….but not because I truly believed there was significant difference in the constituents. Taking a walk, I might inhale more toxic matter, and then drinking tap water might expose me to far more bazaar pharmaceuticals, I suspect, than I could ever detect in that breast meat….but that too is speculation…hopefully not quite so hysterical. I did it to support that producer & end one more ridiculous bird roadtrip from Arkansas.

From Sharon Goodman on Wed, February 02, 2011

Rachel: Don’t throw your vote away by going with the Green Party. What we all should be doing is organizing. There are plenty of groups out there to ally yourself with. The Center for Food Safety, for example, is going to court to challenge the USDA’s decision to deregulate GMO alfalfa. What we need to do is talk to our friends, neighbors, co-workers about how the food safety bill isn’t going to do enough to protect us and our children. We can never have enough food inspectors. What we need is complete reform of the way we grow crops and raise livestock in this country and we need consumers organized nationwide to demand it from our elected officials. For my own part, I’d be content for now if the grassroots organized enough to just stop GMOs. It’s shocking that a democratically elected government would allow a nation’s food supply to be completely overrun by an untested, unproven food technology. Just because people don’t die on the spot after eating GMO corn, for example, doesn’t mean that consuming it on a regular basis over time isn’t going to be very damaging to their health.

Read these if you haven’t already and get active:

http://redgreenandblue.org/2011/02/01/the-trouble-with-monsanto-and-gmo-dr-david-suzuki-spells-it-out/

http://www.aaemonline.org/gmopost.html

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=7fccf730f9f0eb11247da57db&id=3fb346df4f&e=2a78360873

http://ota.capwiz.com/ota/issues/alert/?alertid=24747501

From Tashi D on Wed, February 02, 2011

Matt S said:
“Yesterday’s decision on GE Alfalfa demonstrates pretty clearly what Obama and his administration really think of our concerns. They are not our allies and we have to accept that.

Neither are Whole Foods, Organic Valley or Stonyfield Farms for that matter:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_22449.cfm “

Sorry but the scare tactics of the OCA are straight up misleading and false.  They claim that pretty much every company that has brought about meaningful change in the organic industry is full of shit, which is ludicrous.  They are simply pissed that serious organic advocates don’t support their questionable tactics and motives.

The organization that should have our ire is the USDA.  Not the companies that have and continue to seek protection for the organic industry.

From Sharon Goodman on Wed, February 02, 2011

Tashi is right.  The USDA, and the Administration, should be our targets. The President is gearing up for reelection and everyone who wants sustainable agriculture should tell him and his campaign to look elsewhere for money and grassroots support until he radically changes his agriculture policy to stop giving Monsanto et al. free rein.

From JP Saleeby, MD on Thu, February 03, 2011

Very cool.  We will spread the word and check out WalMart to see what gains are being made in that big box shop.

From J Katz RD LDN on Thu, February 03, 2011

Let’s keep working on this, President Obama. As a dietitian with a healthy meal planning service developed as one solution to the nation’s poor nutrition and obesity issues, I am constantly frustrated when instructing clients to “eat more fruits and vegetables” as promoted by The Food Pyramid and The Healthy Guidelines for Americans. I must consider: can they afford to eat healthy? Do they have a produce market within a reasonable distance from their home? My clients have been warned by the government to prevent childhood obesity. What will be served at the schools? Can they afford to pack a healthy lunch for their children? I bet they can afford to pack an unhealthy one!
http://www.eatwellmealplans.com

From Hillary on Thu, February 03, 2011

Blah blah blah. The only way things will change is through consumer demand. Don’t wait for the government. Vote with your dollar and talk about food with your friends.

From Rachel on Fri, February 04, 2011

He should have talked about food subsidies. That’s the real issue we’re trying to get at.

From Dr. E on Sat, February 05, 2011

Great simple question that sums up so many problems… and rather weak answer from Obama.

It’s good that school lunches and real-food access in disadvantaged neighborhoods is being looked at, for sure.

But DEFINITELY eliminating corn subsidies and replacing them with programs that support local / organic / family farms would do so much more. 

I do wish he would speak about eating more locally, and the importance of reducing meat intake - which makes grass-fed and pastured animal foods far more affordable, a vital step in eliminating factory farmed animals.

Should we send him copies of B. Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Mineral, and maybe the book Fast Food Nation as well?  He doesn’t seem to grasp the dimensions of the problem. 

Still, it’s a billion times better than Reagan’s declaration that ketchup in school lunches qulaifies as a serving of vegetables…so ya gotta give him SOME credit!

From Kate on Sat, February 05, 2011

During the President’s campaign they were tuned into social media, now it would be good to get tuned into sustainable agriculture and food, have a staff position that read’s up and becomes educated. I don’t think the President knew who Josh was. If Mrs Obama is into the movement, Josh should be invited for a meeting to consult on the future of food. It is inevitable that cultural change will occur that supports sustainability, I believe President Obama was elected because people believed he would deliver this positive change.  How about a summit meeting on sustainable ag and food with Mrs. Obama and leaders in the field?

From Deborah Hunter on Sun, February 06, 2011

Perhaps someone ought to point out to Obama that it’s about what gets SUBSIDIZED!

From Juicemissy on Mon, February 07, 2011

Hey just becoming a member, glad to be in! I’m glad to be right here last but not least, heading to submit considering the fact that I’ve been studying a long time.                                       
                               
I’ve been concerned in some other forums and have observed this destination to have a lot more effective written content, so it makes sense to last but not least submit!                             
                               
PS, how do I make myself have a cool title like some people here have?

From Jill on Wed, February 09, 2011

Local does not mean Tyson, Perdue, and Monsanto’s brat pack.  Walmart as a role model…the same store that advertises “local” onions and apples, that are from PERU?  Where is the funding and money for our local farmers?  What is going on with the Roundup Ready Alfalfa?  Sorry but Obama, The First Lady, and most of Congress are clueless to what is needed, as they are dining on lobster and gourmet veggies flown in from China and every other country….proof, check out the menu’s when the White House hosts any guest….do you see local apples on the menu?