Reading List for June 21-25

As demand grows for locally raised meat, farmers turn to mobile slaughterhouses, The Washington Post

"The slaughtermobile—a stainless steel industrial facility on
wheels—is catching on across the country, filling a desperate need in a
burgeoning movement to bring people closer to their food. It is also perhaps one
of the most visible symbols of a subtle transformation at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, long criticized for promoting big agribusiness. Under the Obama
administration and the 2008 farm bill passed by Congress, the USDA is shifting
attention to small and mid-size farms, encouraging organic and sustainable
agriculture, and investing in project to bring locally grown meat and produce to
consumers."

Taking the Toy out of the Happy Meal?
Some consumer advocacy groups are arguing that McDonald's shouldn't be allowed to use toys to market high-fat, high-sugar, high-sodium, high-calorie to children. McDonald's argues that the toys are part of the "a fun, family experience."

Check out the story on NPR. Check out the letter from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to McDonald's.

Santa Clara County, Calif., has already passed an ordinance banning toys in fast food meals that are high in calories.

Check out further analysis of the fast food industry from The Economist:
"The changes facing fast food: More than menus need to be revamped if fast-food firms want to keep growing"

"So far, fast-food firms have nimbly avoided government regulation. By providing healthy options, like salads and low-calorie sandwiches, they have at least given the impression of doing something about helping to fight obesity. ... In the future, simply offering a healthy option may not be good enough."

And finally, from the archives (Aug 2009), a TIME article that made me think: Getting Real about the High Price of Cheap Food.