Bills Up, Prices Down

The sunny first week of (non-meteorological) summer shone brightly on some perennial topics: 

• Farm Bill: Heated discussions raging over climate and nutrition funding. 
• Health and Nutrition: Dietary benefits emerging in unexpected places. 
• Food Prices: Food inflation falling but not fast enough. 

Progress, Not Perfection

On May 24, the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 (aka the farm bill) advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This brings the bill one step closer to completion, even if it conflicts with a version that has advanced in the U.S. Senate.

• House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Penn.) commented, “There is a whole lot of common ground, and a few sticking points that can be resolved through conversation and negotiation.”
• Agricultural groups representing beef, pork, dairy, rice, wheat, corn and soy producers welcomed the House version of the bill, which supports or expands many existing farm policies: biosecurity, exports, crop insurance, biofuels and many others.
• Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) warned, “Key parts of the House bill split the Farm Bill coalition in a way that makes it impossible to achieve the votes to become law.”
• In The Hill, reporter Saul Elbein documented controversy around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, aka food stamps) budget, with politicians debating the full impact of freezing the USDA’s ability to expand or update the hunger relief program.
• Natural Resources Defense Council rebuked the House bill for cutting climate-smart agriculture funds, limiting states’ ability to regulate pesticides and hampering other environmental laws.
• Activist group Food & Water Watch objected to a provision in the bill that would prevent states from passing laws like California Proposition 12, which governs livestock housing requirements outside of the state. The National Pork Producers Council cheered the move “to stop a potential 50-state patchwork of differing on-farm regulations.”

Our Takeaway: The embattled legislation has already been postponed for a year. Lawmakers seem keen on passing a bill before the presidential election this fall, but each political party will have to make concessions to reach that goal.

Processed Predicament

Nutrition can have a huge range of effects on our health and well-being. Some recent studies and developments have indicated the effects foods can have on our mind, body and spirit. From food processing to foodservice, it’s a good time to check in on the ever-changing landscape of health and nutrition. 

• In addition to exploring how social engagement can influence our diet, Science Daily referenced new findings from academic research groups to unpack how food can impact everything from brain aging and stroke risks to the mental and metabolic health of breast cancer patients.
• As detailed by The New York Times, scientists currently associate the consumption of ultra-processed foods with 32 different health problems, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and mental disorders.
• Wall Street Journal reporter Angela Peterson highlighted how the addictive properties of ultra-processed foods can fuel compulsive eating that directly affects how we feel, learn and think.
• A study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed how the density of fast-food restaurants, supermarkets and fitness centers in living areas can alter the odds of pregnant women developing gestational diabetes.
• As consumers continue looking for resources that can inform dietary decisions, the Center for Science in the Public Interest explained how New York City Council is pushing for the FDA to mandate transparency for all restaurant menu items that exceed a day’s worth of added sugars.
• Several influential voices have commented on Supersize Me creator Morgan Spurlock, who died May 23. Spurlock challenged his own nutrition by eating exclusively at McDonald’s for a month straight in 2002. Food Politics blogger Marion Nestle tweeted, “So sad. I loved being in his films.” 

Our Takeaway: The tug-o-war over “Defining Good” will continue — always — with more studies confirming and denying claims of health and wellness. Remember, ultra-processing was once considered a health benefit. 

Low and Behold

The data finally show that food prices dropped in the past month — as opposed to merely rising at a slower rate — and several grocers have announced plans to further reduce food prices throughout the summer. However, an Urban Institute study found that inflation has exerted substantial financial pressure on low-income households over the past four years.

• How many families take on debt to pay for groceries? | The Urban Institute
• Eggs and milk prices fall, as overall inflation eases | NPR
• Aldi lowering prices on over 250 items this summer | USA Today
• Amazon, Walmart, and Target finally realize their colossal pricing mistake — now they’re slashing costs to win back customers | Fortune
• Trader Joe’s gets candid about its pricing model | Progressive Grocer
• FMI finds consumer concerns about inflation have stabilized | Food Business News
• Law pressures already high cocoa prices | Specialty Food Association
• The McCheapest Map will help you locate the most inexpensive Big Mac in America | Food & Wine