In the News: The Election is Behind Us, but the Battle Continues! Children are Targets for Junk Food Ads! How Do Your Congress People Vote on Food Policy?

Posted on November 3, 2020

As I turn off the TV and head to bed, the outcome of the election is still not known! It could be days, weeks, or even months before it is all behind us, and we know the winner. What will not be behind us is the huge divide in our country, and the polarization that comes from hate, bigotry, racism, greed, and lack of compassion and empathy. Let’s all do our part to help heal the divide with more compassion, love, understanding, and empathy for our sisters and brothers, even if they are on the other side of the fence.

Our Children are Being Targeted with Junk Food Ads!

There is nothing new about children being the target of junk food ads on TV. Many years ago, media outlets promised to self regulate how and when they showed ads for junk food. Well, we know that didn’t work! Corporations are not capable of self-regulation, and now with young children spending hours in front of their computers, the problem is even worse. Many YouTube channels, and other children friendly sites are targeting them with thinly veiled ads for sugary beverages and junk food.

A new study published on Monday in the journal Pediatrics analyzed over 400 YouTube videos featuring so-called kid influencers. The study found that these so called “kid-friendly” videos were filled with subtle, but powerful endorsements and product placements for brands like McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr., Hershey’s, Chuck E. Cheese, and Taco Bell. The study found that about 90 percent of the foods featured in the YouTube videos were unhealthy items like milkshakes, French fries, soft drinks, and burgers, with fast food logos spread throughout. The study also found that about 80 percent of parents with children 11 years old or younger let their children watch YouTube, and 35 percent say their children watch it regularly.

I don’t know how to screen YouTube channels to see what advertisers are lurking on the site, but for websites, I can recommend Family Friendly Sites, which are vetted to be safe for our children.

How Do Your Senators and Representatives Vote When It Comes To Food Policy?

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it has shown us how vulnerable our food system is. The food systems that were able to adjust to the situation and get food to the people, were the local farmers and regional systems that were run by real people and not corporations. The Food Policy Action Network has created a scorecard to know how your Senators and Representatives vote, when it comes to Food Policy. Check it out!