Mark Bittman spoke at the California Endowment community program on Wednesday night. They sponsor programs that promote healthy life styles. Mark is an author on the topic of food and cooking including the book "How to Cook Everything" and "Food Matters." He is also a columnist for the New York Times.
He stated that the food system in our country is a mess..it is run by the mega-corporations and needs to be reformed with transparency and control. He said that Industrial Agriculture contributes. Our goal should be a sustainable diet based on local agriculture as much as possible and that government needs to act to protect the 99%.
He made a strong emphasis on the effect of sodas on our national health with its contribution to obesity, heart and diabetes problems. Feedlots destroy resources and create junk food. He was disappointed that Proposition 37 did not pass as transparency and knowledge for the consumers is what is needed. W need to know about the genetics, pesticides, antibiotics and conditions of the animals. When the information is on the label, people stop buying. He was appalled about the advertising focused on children who get addicted to junk food. He said that we need government control over bad foods that kill.
He talked about his move to becoming a vegan....some of the time and how he lost so much weight. He said that veganism is a journey not a destination and encouraged all to move toward being vegans more plants, less meats and junk food. He said that he is a "Vegie 6".....eats some meat after 6 pm. He said buy organic when ever possible. He called for a tax on sodas and getting vending machines out of schools. He also wants pricing of food with the focus on the healthier being the cheaper ie. salads and hot dogs more expensive.
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