Tater Tots are Vegetables?

The answer depends on who you ask, apparently. While a legion of Moms replying, “No!”; armies of kids and the U.S. Senate answers with an emphatic “Yes!”. The government’s legislation to restrict the serving of tater tots, lima beans, fries and other starchy foods more than once a week was defeated in the Senate. The move was led, predictably, by representatives from the potato growing states. This story provides some interesting insights: first, the movement for healthy food is weakened by the  internal conflict between producers and consumers, what is good for the plate may prove a challenge for the farmer whose livelihood is affected. Also, consumers can influence the process of policy making too. The fact that a legislation to limit potatoes on school lunches was even introduced is proof of that. We must participate in the  process, at whatever level possible in order to bring about a positive transformation.