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Issue | Food

Stop Subsidizing Obesity

Our tax dollars should only go to things that serve the public good, yet we’re handing out taxpayer subsidies to big agribusinesses to help subsidize junk food.

Media Hit | Food

Michigan Messenger: Ag subsidies blamed for obesity epidemic

Gov. Rick Snyder’s campaign to reduce obesity may be impeded by federal agricultural subsidies that make junk food cheaper than fruits and vegetables. In a new report — Apples to Twinkies: Comparing Federal Subsidies of Fresh Produce and Junk Food — the Public Interest Research Group in Michigan finds that between 1995 and 2010 Americans spent over $260 billion on agricultural subsidies, with most of the money going to commodity crops like corn and soybeans, which are processed into high fructose corn syrup and oil and used in snack foods.

Report | PIRGIM Education Fund | Food

Apples to Twinkies

The rise in childhood obesity has many causes, but one of the most important is the increased prevalence of high-fat, heavily sweetened junk food.  And shockingly, American taxpayers are spending billions to subsidize junk food ingredients, making the problem worse.

Result | Food

Researching How Tax Dollars Become Twinkies

PIRGIM research found that since 1995, $17 billion in agricultural subsidies have gone to corn syrup and other junk food ingredients. That’s enough to buy 2.8 billion Twinkies, and vastly more than has gone to apples and other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Resource | Budget, Consumer Protection, Democracy, Financial Reform, Food, Health Care, Higher Ed, Safe Energy, Solid Waste, Tax, Transportation

Beat High Bank Fees

Banks rely on consumer indifference when they raise fees. They count on consumers not shopping around. PIRG’s Big Banks, Bigger Fees reports routinely find that small banks and credit unions are not following the big banks’ lead; they still offer many free or low cost accounts.

Resource | Budget, Consumer Protection, Democracy, Financial Reform, Food, Health Care, Higher Ed, Safe Energy, Solid Waste, Tax, Transportation

TIPS FOR TOY SAFETY

Thousands of toys are on the market, each promising to educate or entertain our children. Unfortunately, not every toy is safe. Toy buyers can help protect children from injury by being careful, vigilant shoppers.

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