- Natalie Mahoney is a first-time mom, fitness instructor and Des Moines native.
The United States is often held up as a symbol of strength, innovation and progress. Yet, behind this image of prosperity lies a troubling contradiction. We spend a staggering $4.5 trillion on health care annually, yet our country is one of the unhealthiest nations in the world. Heart disease, obesity and other metabolic disorders have risen exponentially in the past decade, and Americans are only getting sicker.
Despite its wealth and resources, the U.S. is facing a public health crisis, driven by a diet that is dangerously reliant on ultra-processed foods, industrial seed oils and a food supply that is often compromised of additives, artificial food dyes and questionable agricultural practices. Nearly 60% of American adults suffer from at least one chronic condition and here in Iowa, we have the second-fastest-growing rate of new cancers. For these reasons and more, it’s time to finally start talking about the state of our health and break the cycle of chronic illness.
Our food industry is a powerful force and has shaped what we have been eating for years. Big corporations have spent decades marketing processed foods as “healthy” or “natural” and misled consumers into believing they are making good choices. This manipulation has created the foundation for a toxic food culture and normalized the consumption of harmful products. Fast food has only exacerbated this. This deception keeps consumers trapped in a cycle of poor health while allowing corporations to continue reaping massive profits. In this current landscape, mothers hold a unique power to influence the future.
Mothers are often in the driver’s seat when it comes to shaping what our families eat and how children develop lifelong habits. As a new mother myself, I deeply believe that teaching kids to appreciate simple, nutritious meals and understand what’s in their food can counteract the overwhelming influence of a profit-driven food system. It’s not always easy for kids to choose better alternatives over popular processed food brands, but moms can certainly create the foundation for a healthier lifestyle.
While a complex issue, we do have the ability to come together to advocate for changes within our food system. Many advocates have already connected the dots with our food and declining health. Powerful mom activists such as Karalynne Call from Just Ingredients, Vani Hari (The Food Babe) and Zen Honeycutt from Moms Across America have worked relentlessly to educate people on the inner workings of “big food”, how to live a cleaner lifestyle and eliminate toxins from our daily lives.
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These three women were also major voices in the recent Kellogg’s grassroots movement, where moms and health activists across America traveled to the Kellogg’s headquarters to request that the brand remove artificial food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 from their Fruit Loops cereal. After years of promising to remove these dyes and to no avail, it was time to hold Kellogg’s accountable. By demanding transparency from food companies and keeping billfolds zipped on “big food” purchases, moms can amplify the call for healthier choices and protect our children from these harmful chemicals.
Now, more than ever, education across all ages is so critical. Since the average American isn’t taught to decipher nutrition labels or recognize harmful ingredients, consumers continue to be trapped in this health crisis. That’s why education must start early. Schools should consider teaching children the basics of nutrition, cooking and the impact of food on their bodies. Programs that engage parents alongside kids could further reinforce these lessons and ensure that families are empowered to make informed choices at the grocery store and in their kitchens.
Policy reform is equally critical. Our government must ban harmful, artificial food dyes and require more transparency in ingredient labels. Corporations like Kellogg’s should be held accountable for the health impacts of their products. Subsidies should shift to prioritize minimally-processed meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables and ensure these healthier options are more accessible and affordable to all Americans. Additionally, further investment in SNAP could play a huge role in helping connect families to better, healthier alternatives as cost remains a primary barrier to accessing healthy food.
Communities also play a key role in fostering change. Local farmers markets, urban gardens and food cooperatives can increase access to fresh foods, particularly in underserved areas. Here in Iowa, we have access to the best food from our farmers, who are working hard in every corner of the state feeding our nation. Let’s continue to support their work.
At the individual level, small, consistent choices can contribute to a cultural shift. Preparing meals at home, prioritizing whole ingredients and supporting the many local farms here in Iowa are all ways to take ownership of one’s health. While these actions may seem minor, their collective impact can be transformative, signaling to policymakers and corporations that Americans deserve better. What’s on our plates today will determine the health of future generations and the legacy of our nation.
Natalie Mahoney is a first-time mom, fitness instructor and Des Moines native. She is the 2023 Iowa State University Greenlee School of Journalism Young Alumni Award recipient and holds an undergraduate degree in public relations from Iowa State University.
