Do we need a national food policy? [Market mechanism, malnutrition]

Whether the government can abstain from intervening in food matters depends primarily on the effects of unfettered operation of the market mechanism and on the effects on consumers. Food subsidies might prevent nutritional deficiencies in young children, and consequent stunting of mental development. Disadvantages center around abuses of a food subsidy system by those who can pay for their food. Demand for food in the U.S., demand for food abroad, composition of domestic food consumption, nutrition in the U.S., malnutrition and market imperfections, the U.S. food stamp program, and the role of inventories are reviewed in an effort to solve these problems. Partial policies that impede the efficient use of food resources by distorting market mechanisms should be altered. Moreover, measures may be needed to relieve specific malnutrition, and to facilitate the holding of adequate inventories by private operators.