The ethics of eating by Rich Heffern

¶ … Ethics of Eating" by Rich Heffern

In "The Ethics of Eating," Rich Heffern describes how the shift away from local food sources has contributed to a variety of problems in modern society. Among those problems, Heffern cites a disconnect between people and their food which leaves people hungry even when their stomachs are full (Heffern, 2). According to Heffern, there are many reasons for this disconnect; concerns about food quality, the decline in the family farm, a spiritual disconnect between the production and the consumption of food, environmentally irresponsible food production processes, and the fear that America will not be capable of keeping food production at its current levels (Heffern, 2). Furthermore, Heffern points to the human costs of cheap-food production, by pointing out the increase in industrial accidents and the low standard of living enjoyed by those who work in most of the food industry (Heffern, 3). His arguments are compelling, and they certainly make one stop to think before picking up an Extra Value Meal at a local fast food restaurant.

However compelling Heffern's arguments may be, they are flawed by the fact that he minimizes the positive contributions of a cheap food supply. While acknowledging that Americans "probably eat better, with more variety, thrice-daily with snacks in between, than any people at any time in history," Heffern does not fully acknowledge the benefits of such an abundant food supply (Heffern, 1). The fact is that an abundant and affordable food supply has changed the fabric of America. It was not long ago that food was produced locally; in fact, the Great Depression and the Dustbowl meant that many Americans died of starvation. While Heffern discusses obesity, he fails to make the connection that the availability of cheap, non-nutritious food is not a requirement that people eat it. However, when the only food available is expensive food, many have no choice but to starve.

Furthermore, Heffern uses very loaded language to sway the reader towards his point-of-view. Heffern points out that big tobacco has purchased many producers of cheap food, trying to taint the food sources with the stink of the tobacco companies, even though the food products are subsidiaries and do not contribute to tobacco production. Furthermore, when contrasting a typical bland grocery store tomato with a homegrown tomato, Heffern states that "a ripe, homegrown tomato on the other hand, is tangible proof that God is great and good" (Heffern, 3). The rhetoric may sound appealing, but it is merely rhetoric; a tasty tomato is not proof that there is a God, much less that God is good.