Top Chefs Push Obama to Improve Food Policy

Former president George W. Bush rarely visited restaurants and didn't talk about what he ate. Obama, on the other hand, loves to dine out and enjoys tasting all sorts of foods. He is the president, and everything he says or does is influential. Even his dining habits can affect policy, food policy, that is. Rick Bayless, chef of restaurant Topolobampo, hopes that Obama will "recognize that we need to do what we can in our country to encourage real food for everyone". Although this is not as important as other things, foreign policy or the economy, for example, nutrition IS a huge issue in our country. Obesity is high, and most food is "over-processed, over subsidized and grown with no regard to the environment", which makes it "harder for small farms to make a profit selling more natural, nutritious food". Americans will hopefully also expand their horizons when it comes to what they eat. Even those who can not afford to eat at fancy restaurants (where food is locally grown, environmentally friendly, and nutritious), are encouraged to grow their own vegetables and pay attention to where their food comes from. Barber believes good food needs more publicity, and he hopes Obama and his wife will advertise what they are eating and what they are feeding their children, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha. "A few small gestures from the president and first lady Michelle Obma could accomplish what many of the chefs have been working toward for years."