Question

Why do carrots cost more than potato chips in the US food system? Explain. Then, identify and explain one outcome (human or environmental) that results from the fact that potato chips are cheaper to buy than carrots or broccoli.

A) Carrots cost more due to high production costs; the outcome is increased consumption of unhealthy processed foods leading to health issues.
B) Carrots cost more due to limited demand; the outcome is a decline in the production of fresh vegetables, affecting agricultural diversity.
C) Carrots cost more due to subsidies for processed foods; the outcome is the overconsumption of calorie-dense but nutritionally poor snacks.
D) Carrots cost more due to government regulations; the outcome is a positive impact on public health as people choose healthier options.

Answer 1

Carrots are more expensive than potato chips due to government subsidies for corn-based products, which make processed foods cheaper. This leads to increased consumption of unhealthy foods and can result in health issues like obesity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carrots may cost more than potato chips in the US food system due to government policies that make corn-based products cheaper through subsidies. This results in fresh fruits and vegetables, like carrots, being relatively more expensive. Comparatively, processed foods such as potato chips benefit from these subsidies, leading to lower costs. A significant consequence of this pricing disparity is the increased consumption of unhealthy processed foods, which can lead to a myriad of health issues, such as obesity, due to the high availability and affordability of calorie-dense but nutritionally poor snacks. The lower cost of processed foods and the higher cost of healthier options like fruits and vegetables are influenced by government subsidies and global food price trends that have evolved due to changing consumer demands and income levels.