USDA increases the fruits of their labor.

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In a recent news story, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) voted on the new direction that their farm bills will take over the next five years or so. For the past 36 months, the USDA has conducted research and put together forums to get a sense of where they are going. Farm bills, proposed every half-decade, set the the tone not only for USDA programs and funding but for the activity of agriculture nationwide.

The USDA has wisely chosen to invest an additional 2 billion dollars on the purchase of fruits and vegetables nationwide, in hopes of improving the nutrition and waistlines of many suffering Americans. This nutrition funding, which makes up the largest part of the USDA budget, was not given lightly, and shows true concern by the government in what is growing to be a huge health issue. Obesity, as well as malnutrition that many Ameriacans suffer from obliviously as a result of missing many essential nutrients, can lead to very long-term problems. While many people think of smoking as one of the biggest problems facing our children, heart disease is the leading killer in America. So with our children eating increasing amounts of fatty foods, and neglecting the fruits and vegetables that keep them healthy, they are putting themselves at that much more at risk to die young.

The USDA has obviously realized the risks involved, and by making this landmark move towards nationwide health, they are giving Americans yet anothere chance to shape up their act. Hopefully we all jump on the bandwagon in time.