How much corn do we eat in a day?

How much corn do we eat in a day? The answer is elusive, at best. For the past 2+ decades, the corn industry has been taking over our food supply. At first it was seen as a cheap and viable way to produce the things we eat. Recently, corn has entered almost everything we eat and changed from an additive to a main ingredient. In addition, the corn industry is unlikely to be holding the reins of government and food production as much as it did 20 years ago. Today, that job sits squarely on the large food production companies. Sure, the corn industry still receives massive (I mean MASSIVE) subsidies to grow its crop. In fact it would probably be a money-leaking crop without the help of our tax dollars. But the fact that corn is in absolutely everything we eat and involved in every step of the process to “create” food, tells you of its continued importance. The companies that produce the vast majority of our food now hold more power than perhaps the defense industry… Think about the effect this might have on you and your family…

This past weekend, NOW on PBS aired an interview with the director of a new food documentary entitled, “Food, Inc.“. Robert Kenner made for a good interview subject and I’m looking forward to watching his film (you can watch the interview below). However, seeing this interview reminded me yet again of how little has changed. In 2003, Peter Jennings reported in an hour-long investigative piece on the food industry. “How to Get Fat Without Really Trying” was an incredible look into the food industry and how, without public knowledge or consent, the industry has hijacked our food supply, as well as the lawmakers and regulators who are supposed to watch our backs. Towards the end of Jennings’ piece, he asks if something can be done to change the legislative atmosphere that allows for so much of this insidious behavior to go on…

If you care about what you are putting into your body and about the future for your children, then I would suggest watching three films:

1) “Food, Inc.” – Although I have yet to see it, I’m sure from this interview with Robert Kenner, that it will be worthwhile and factually correct.

2) The ABC/Peter Jennings’ report, “How to Get Fat Without Really Trying” is probably the most in-depth and insightful look at food I’ve seen yet. It superbly explores the politics, money, marketing and public health aspects of what we eat. I have included the report below.

3) “Food Matters” – Another in-depth documentary on food, as well as the pharmaceutical industry, to scare the crap out of you (and there is plenty of it in this film), the points made and the facts discussed are very worthy of discussion.

After reviewing these latest reports on the food industry (Food, Inc. and Food Matters), let’s revisit Peter Jennings’ question about change. Has anything changed since 2003 when he first reported on this subject? Perhaps, but I doubt it has changed for the betterment of our health.

Here is the NOW interview with Robert Kenner, of Food, Inc.

Here is Peter Jennings’ report entitled, “How to Get Fat Without Really Trying,” broken up into five parts.