Last week, the White House hosted a pivotal conference focused on food and nutrition, where President Biden urged us to think ambitiously, take decisive action, and collaborate effectively. To make significant strides toward eradicating hunger and diet-related diseases and deaths by 2030, we all recognize the necessity of this collective effort. However, it was surprising that some major players, particularly the largest food and beverage manufacturers in the U.S., were conspicuously absent.
The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI), an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the private sector’s role in providing nutritious diets, asserts that genuine progress can only happen with the engagement and active participation of these companies. We advocate for a transformative shift in the U.S. food system and market, starting with the private sector. We acknowledge that this is a daunting challenge.
For the past decade, ATNI has scrutinized the operations of the world’s leading food manufacturers, and our research clearly shows that while there has been some progress in the food and beverage industry, there is still much work to be done. With strong leadership from the government and accountability measures from investors and corporate boards, there is potential for positive change. Many countries already benefit from effective public-private partnerships and accountability frameworks that ensure families have access to affordable, healthy food. Unfortunately, the U.S. lags behind in this regard, and this situation must change.
Our data highlights the enormity of the task ahead. With just two weeks until we launch our second U.S. Index, which evaluates how well food and beverage manufacturers are performing in their efforts to produce and promote healthy products, we are left questioning whether the sector has made any improvements since 2018. To put it bluntly: Has the industry succeeded in placing more healthful products on store shelves? According to international standards, ATNI found that 70% of food and beverage products from major brands available to U.S. consumers are less healthy options, characterized by excessive added sugar, salt, and fat, while lacking sufficient fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber. This situation is simply unacceptable. Has there been any improvement since then?
To date, voluntary initiatives aimed at reducing salt, sugar, and fat have not translated into healthier product portfolios. A robust symbiotic relationship between business and government is essential to generate the necessary momentum for the industry to implement systemic changes. The national strategy put forth by the White House represents a commendable first step in holding both public and private sectors accountable for the health of American families. However, it is merely a starting point. We cannot afford to see stagnation or slow progress from the largest manufacturers responsible for producing, marketing, and selling our food.
Both public and private sectors need to step outside of their comfort zones. Public officials and private executives must establish achievable targets, while also consulting, engaging, and tracking performance. ATNI is dedicated to providing the necessary data, analysis, and best practices to facilitate this transformation. As President Biden reminded us during the conference’s opening, when we previously collaborated with a clear objective, we successfully landed on the moon. Let’s channel that spirit and make the transformation of our food system to ensure healthy diets for all our new moonshot.
In line with dietary considerations, the question many consumers have is: can you take calcium citrate with magnesium? This is an important aspect of nutrition that also needs more attention as we push for a healthier food landscape. By integrating discussions about supplements and their interactions, such as whether you can take calcium citrate with magnesium, we can further enrich our understanding of comprehensive nutrition and health.