$2 million. That's what the U.S.D.A. has spent to develop and promote a new logo to replace the Food Pyramid. The Obama administration has encouraged the government agency to find a way to get Americans to think more about eating a healthy diet.
The original 1992 Food Pyramid was easy to read, but I guess the meat and dairy industries were upset that their foods weren't being promoted very well. And, of course, carbs are the devil, so this pyramid had to be scrapped.
A new pyramid was released 13 years later. The new one placed an emphasis on exercise, too. But I guess this one wasn't good enough either. People think it's hard to read and inefficient. Many also complain that it doesn't distinguish between healthy and less healthy choices within each food group. (Because most people don't know by now that white bread is worse for you than whole grain breads. Again, carbs are the devil.)
So now the government is spending more money to implement a new icon. It's supposed to get the public's attention. It's supposed to be easier to read. It's supposed to inspire Americans to make healthy food choices and eat more fruits and vegetables. It's supposed to urge us to eat smaller portions. It's supposed to cause us to drink less sugary drinks. It's supposed to fight obesity. It's supposed to end war and bring world peace. And it's pretty.
Really? Do you think anyone will even look at that logo once they graduate from elementary school? Honestly, neither of the previous pyramids had any effect on my food choices. I doubt the new one will either. It's not the icon that will change Americans' eating habits. What a waste of $2 million.
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