Oddbean

The disrupted (not free) market for money distorted the economy in the last century to drive consumers to higher time preference decision making with food. Even according to the orthodox sources, America’s junk food problem began in the Great Depression when people were desperate to up their calories per dollar ratio. Neither trend ever abated - the banks continued to serve up monetary debasement and the food companies continued to serve up nutrition debasement.

That's because growing healthy food is expensive in the US. Manufacturers chase profit by cutting corners wherever possible. They are fully aware of all the toxic shit they use in the soil, etc but sweet profits are better than healthy consumers. Half the crap used in the US food industry is banned in Europe, and for a good reason. I'm all for healthy organic food (which does not exist in the US anymore by the way; buy the list expensive produce in Whole Foods and compare to regular European produce and you'll be shocked), but general population would simply not be able to afford food that is grown in accordance with the best practices. There is a reason why the wealthiest FLY food from the growers in Europe to consume on the American soil.