Farm subsidies (corn, soy)

Ever wonder why soda and chips can cost less than fresh produce? Part of the answer is farm policy. In the U.S., government programs have long supported commodity crops like corn and soybeans. That helps keep their prices low, and much of that corn and soy becomes animal feed, cooking oils, sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup and ingredients in packaged foods.

Fruits and vegetables receive far less of that support. Economists debate how much this shapes what we eat, but it's one reason processed foods are so cheap and everywhere.

You can still vote with your fork:

• Shop farmers markets or join a CSA (a farm share)
• Buy seasonal and frozen produce, which is often affordable
• Cook from simple ingredients a few nights a week