Monthly Archives: September 2011

I love supermarkets

Posted on September 29, 2011 by admin

When I travel, I visit supermarkets; I suppose this is where my love for food meets my love of economics. The variation in food products is amazing, even within the same chain. This past weekend, I went to the Whole … Continue reading →

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do you eat what your friends eat?

Posted on September 26, 2011 by admin

Did you ever notice how your friends have such healthy diets – despite the fact that nearly 2/3 of the US population is overweight or obese, and that most people eat processed, junk food?  I have noticed this with my … Continue reading →

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more on federal nutrition benefits

Posted on September 26, 2011 by admin

In interest of being precise (and this was pointed out by two NYU students – Mike Bulger and Daniel Bowman Simon), SNAP benefits can be used to buy organic food, but WIC benefits cannot. Junk food can be purchased with … Continue reading →

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Federal nutrition benefits and our food system

Posted on September 22, 2011 by admin

In principle, policies should support or improve social welfare, or help society meet a social goal. That statement might suggest I am naive, since the world doesn’t work that way. However, I think holding our policymakers to a high standard … Continue reading →

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Local policies matter, too

Posted on September 19, 2011 by admin

While both the Farm Bill and Agricultural Appropriations Bill have a significant impact on food and agricultural policy, local and private ordinances matter. Today’s NY Times features the demise of the CSA on the campus of Fordham University (hosted by … Continue reading →

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Food access in the Senate subcommittee appropriations

Posted on September 11, 2011 by admin

Last week, the Senate Subcommittee on agriculture released their proposed appropriations for fiscal year 2012. The subcommittee’s jurisdiction covers a wide area, but I am concerned with three sections: (1) domestic nutrition, (2) federal research dollars, and (3) conservation funds. … Continue reading →

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Food systems, wicked problems, and economics

Posted on September 5, 2011 by admin

I am often asked how an economist can be a professor of Food Studies.  The answer – given below – should provide insight into how I think, and the general approach I adopt in my research. The types of societal … Continue reading →

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food economics – first thoughts

Posted on September 3, 2011 by admin

The policy arena re: food and agriculture will surely be quite lively over the next 18 months. Competing needs and priorities are being voiced, and have been voiced by economists, environmentalists, public health professionals, and others for some time. A … Continue reading →

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