If the Government Subsidized Fresh Produce (Like Meat and Dairy) We Could Save Over 250,000 Lives

We have always been told to eat fruits and vegetables to stay strong and healthy, and as animal advocates, many have us have chosen a plant-based diet because it’s also great for animals and the environment. Now new research published in the PLOS Medicine journal has shown that promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables through government subsidies and media campaigns could save nearly 250,000 people from deaths related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2030.

Unfortunately, it seems like we cannot turn on the TV or radio or go for a drive without being bombarded by media campaigns from fast food companies and the meat and dairy industries telling us to buy the latest bacon cheeseburger or that milk is healthy for us. This oversaturated exposure has long been suspected to cause people to over-consume meat, dairy, and saturated animal fats, leading to heart disease, diabetes, and many other health issues. This is particularly relevant in lower-income neighborhoods where “food deserts” provide few options other than fast food restaurants and convenience stores. This new research predicted that if media campaigns promoted fruit and vegetable consumption, 25,800 CVD-related deaths could be prevented or postponed in the U.S. by 2030.

The research also tested the potential effects of lowering the prices of fruits and vegetables by 10 percent, which would prevent or postpone 150,500 CVD-related deaths by 2030. If fruits and vegetables are subsidized by 30 percent for those on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, 35,100 deaths could be postponed or prevented. Additionally, a tax on sugary drinks could prevent or postpone 31,000 deaths.

The studies concluded that combining all of these methods – media campaigns, subsidies on fruits and vegetables, and a sugar tax, would be the most effective in reducing CVD-related deaths and reduce the disparities in rates of CVD across socio-economic demographics. They also concluded that these new measures would likely be cost-neutral for the government, as these preventative measures will save money for healthcare for CVD and other diseases linked to a poor diet lacking in fresh produce.

Considering how disproportionately the meat and dairy are subsidized versus the fresh produce industry, we can’t help but to think the food system is stacked – to the point where our recommended healthy eating guidelines aren’t even accessible for many Americans. Knowing this, it seems that something is truly broken.

But the good news is we all can work to fix that. From people taking action and starting urban farms, doctors prescribing fruit and vegetable coupons for low-income patients, and many more community-based organizations that focus on food access, the wheels of change are turning.

It is one thing to do all the work ourselves, but we can also make a huge impact by talking to government officials. You have a voice and you can use it by simply telling your Senators that you believe fruits and vegetables deserve to be subsidized fairly – if not more than meat and dairy.

How many more studies must we read showing the link between whole, plant-based foods and disease prevention before we collectively wake up to the fact that our current food system is killing us?

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