Manufactured Foods and Additives

Very Old Problem in Need of Very New Solutions

Critics of the dietary habits of children (and adults) have been pointing to the Manufactured Food Industry, processed foods and food additives for decades. These foods are delivered to children from the local supermarket, convenience store, fast food and casual dining restaurants and even at the child's school breakfast and lunch programs, Childhood obesity is of course a part of a larger health problem in the United States: Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and it appears to be fueled by significant economic factors (Woog, 2011).

Particularly hit hard are low income families. In prior generations, household poverty predicted starvation among children. Today it is a predictor of obesity and prediabetes. This is because today, while some number of children may not have adequate food, the vast majority of low income and those living below the "poverty line" are still receiving adequate calories. They are experiencing instead what is now called "food insecurity". According to Google Gemini:

"Yes, there are children experiencing hunger and food insecurity in America, with nearly 14 million children living in food-insecure homes where they lack consistent access to enough nutritious food for a healthy life, a crisis affecting families across all communities but disproportionately impacting children of color and those in single-parent households. While not always "starvation," this lack of food (food insecurity) means families struggle to afford meals, sometimes skipping them, and it prevents children from reaching their full potential."

So why does poverty predict childhood obesity in America?

"Poverty predicts childhood obesity in America because low-income environments often lack access to affordable, nutritious food (food deserts) and safe spaces for physical activity, while featuring abundant, cheap, high-calorie fast food, combined with parental time/financial constraints that limit healthy choices and increase stress, leading to poor diet, inactivity, and emotional eating patterns that foster weight gain."

Google Gemini 1/14/2026

While this has been a ongoing problem, the solutions so far have encouraged poor childhood (and even adult) nutrition. The US government provides SNAP Benefits (food stamps), and other financial aid to more than 10% of the US population and there are there are many non-profit and faith-based organizations operating food pantries. Schools have expanded free lunch programs to free breakfast and even providing food during Summer school breaks. This has not helped.

Some propose that this is a complex problem rooted in "food deserts" (poor access to quality foods), limited access to safe areas for child recreation and exercise and to the stress, fear and anxiety related to poverty. If providing free food of sufficient calories is not the solution, what is?

Another recognized dietary problem for children has been the consumption of food additives such as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Some of these have been linked to various health conditions and developmental disorders of childhood. While many have now been banned in other countries, the United States has lagged the developed world in restricting many of these additives. Additional research is clearly needed.

There are many voices suggesting that we look back in time and put Genie Back by providing children healthy whole unprocessed foods as were provided 75 years ago prior to the obesity and Type 2 Diabetes epidemic. It may be more expensive in the short term but, when considering long term health costs, it just may be the least expensive path towards putting the Genie back.

This section is being provided to recognize those seeking to reverse the ravages of childhood obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and health issues related to poor childhood diet and unsafe food additives. It is intended to provide information and resources regarding this ongoing issue/concern to the safety and wellbeing of children.. We appreciate your feedback.

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