Some think the government should subsidise fruits and vegetables to make healthy food more affordable, while others argue that the government should tax unhealthy food instead. I believe that the policy of taxing would be more practical.
On the one hand, there are two main reasons why the government should subsidise fresh produce. Firstly, this policy can make nutritious food more affordable, as such food usually costs more than unhealthy options. With more healthy food available, people, particularly those financially constrained, are more likely to consume more of it. Secondly, it encourages farmers to grow more vegetables and fruit since they tend to prioritize more profitable crops, such as rice, coffee, and tea. Therefore, an increase in consumption, coupled with more fresh produce, would make this policy more effective.
On the other hand, the authorities should impose high taxes on processed food. To begin with, since junk food is relatively cheap, taxation can render such food unaffordable. As a result, people who favour it may shift their preference to healthy food. Furthermore, given a decrease in profits, imposing high taxes is likely to discourage people or companies from producing and selling this type of food. A shift to a balanced diet, along with a reduction in production and sales, might lead to a rise in consumption of healthy food, enhancing public health outcomes.
In conclusion, while subsidizing vegetables and fruits can increase the consumption of nutritious food, I believe that imposing taxes on unhealthy food would be a more effective policy, as it enables the government to address the root causes of poor dietary habits.