Cheap food Quote by Michael Pollan
““...whenever I hear people say clean food is expensive, I tell them it's actually the cheapest food you can buy. That always gets their attention. Then I explain that with our food all the costs are figured into the price. Society is not bearing the cost of water pollution, of antibiotic resistance, of food-borne illness, of crop subsidies, of subsidized oil and water -- of all the hidden costs to the environment and the taxpayer that make cheap food seem cheap. No thinking person will tell you they don't care about all that. I tell them the choice is simple: You can buy honestly priced food or you can buy irresponsibly priced food.””
About This Quote
The quote argues that so-called cheap food hides externalities—environmental damage, health risks, and subsidies—making it actually more expensive when societal costs are accounted for.
In simple terms: Cheap food masks hidden societal costs.
Key Takeaway
True cost pricing reveals hidden expenses.
Themes
environmental impact
public health
economics
food ethics
consumer awareness
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
motivated
Type
explanatory
advocacy
informative
When to use this quote
- grocery shopping
- restaurant menu selection
- policy debate
- personal budgeting
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
externalities
price transparency
sustainability
policy
Practical Applications
- advocating for transparent food pricing
- educating consumers on hidden costs
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you evaluate the true cost of a meal?
- What policies could internalize these hidden costs?