Food Politics

Food Lobbying

Sugary drinks, lean meat, and the politics of dietary guidelines

COOL (Country of Origin Legislation) Heats Up

Go to MeL.org, Kids, Homework Helpers, and choose Research in Context. Search for "sugar lobby "dairy lobby" "corn lobby" "meat lobby" and any other food term that was abundant in what our group ate over the weekend. (For fun, also maybe try things like "broccoli lobby" or other foods that we probably should be eating more of...)

Go to MeL.org, Teens, Homework Helpers, and choose Opposing Viewpoints. Search for "food lobbying" and other terms suggested above. There is some good stuff in the Audio and News sections!

Food Advertising

Explore Research in Context for articles related to advertising food, particularly to children. What laws govern food advertising? What laws govern what can be advertised in the packaging?

Food Labels & Certifications

Consumer Reports explains food labels

USDA Organic Standards--be sure to explore the links on this page to learn more about the different aspects of the USDA Organic label

Certified Humane Standards--explore individual links to learn about what the standards/regulations are to receive a Certified Humane label (the PDFs for different types of foods/livestock)

Free Range & Pasture Raised HFAC labels, explained

Cage Free vs. Pasture Raised vs. Free Range, explained

Fair Trade Certified--also explore other pages of the website to learn more about Fair Trade

Meat & Poultry Labeling Terms, USDA

Kosher FAQ

Family Scenario Tools

SNAP Benefits & Eligibility--Is your persona eligible? Would he/she have the time and resources to determine eligibility and apply for SNAP?

WIC Benefits & Eligibility--Is your persona eligible? Would she have the time and resources to determine eligibility and apply for WIC?

Tax Form Calculator--how much would your persona be expected to pay in taxes? Deduct the answer from your Family Income

ACA Insurance Cost Calculator--How much would health insurance cost for your family under the Affordable Care Act? (Also indicates Medicaid eligibility)