Romney vs. Obama on Food Policy

Romney says government shouldn't dictate what Americans eat. Obama says it should do more.

This blog has posted a lot words about what life for food producers and consumers has been like under the Obama Administration. Would a Romney Administration be much different? The two campaigns' responses to a Food policy questionnaire from the United Fresh Produce Association give us a few revealing answers.

Both Obama and Romney acknowledged the importance of food safety and the need to make American farmers more competitive globally. Both also said it's important to keep regulatory burdens to a minimum but Obama does not have a lot of credibility in that department, considering the impact of regulation on fisheries, ranchers and farmers.

"Food safety aside," writes Food Safety News, "these campaigns had wildly different responses to United Fresh's question on whether or not their administration would build upon the current efforts to boost fruit and vegetable consumption or support a change in 'nutrition strategy' for the country."

Romney's three-sentence response includes the statement: "The federal government should not dictate what every American eats." After nearly four years of reign of Michelle the Food Queen, how refreshing is that?

The President's response says: "I am proud of Michelle's 'Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools' initiative, the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (Snack) program for schools, the USDA's My Plate campaign, and other programs that are improving the nutrition of our nation."

"But there is still more that can be done," the response continues. "In partnership with the private sector, we need to continue encouraging schools to promote healthy eating and ensuring students are offered food and vegetables every day of the week, educating Americans about the benefits of fruits and vegetables, supporting regional food hubs and the establishment of grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods, and researching effective ways to promote healthier food choices."

Note that Obama's answer is three paragraphs versus Romney's three sentences. Even on paper, Obama is long-winded and loves the word "I" (obviously he didn't write the response himself). Also note the inclusion of "the establishment of grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods," i.e. the debunked food desert theory. Even the liberal media has acknowledged the evidence that so-called 'underserved areas' have plenty of places to buy produce.

So now we have a taste for Gov. Romney's food policy views, but what does he personally like to eat? He has a reputation as a healthy-lifestyle guy, which explains some of his quirky eating habits. Romney likes to eat KFC, but without the skin. This might be a Romney version of a scandal: Clinton tried pot but didn't inhale; Romney ate KFC but not the skin. Clinton's successor in Arkansas Mike Huckabee mocked this chicken habit and even thought it would win him more votes in the South during the 2008 election. On the other hand, if Romney gets elected, his KFC love could help him find some common ground with Nancy Pelosi.

Romney reportedly also likes to eat pizza with the cheese, which seems weird and even a little wrong, but this hasn't strained his relationship with Papa John's. Politico also reported that Romney's typical dinner consists of "turkey breast, rice, and broccoli, chased by water or maybe a Diet Coke."

 

Donut lovers may be disturbed to hear that Mitt once failed to correctly identify donuts when asking his staff to buy some as a road snack. Yes, I find this a little strange, but not a deal-breaker. Romney may not be able to always recognize donuts but at least it sounds like he wouldn't try to outlaw them.

(Hat tip to foodsafetynews.com and supermarketnews.com)