News Article
Taxpayer Subsidies Pay for Billions In Junk Food
By Alexandra Hill, WBGO News
July 25, 2012
A new report from the consumer advocacy group NJ PIRG, found between 1995 and 2011 more than 18 billion in American tax dollars have paid for the production of food additives like high fructose corn syrup, corn starch, and soy oils. Gideon Weissman the groups program associate says they encourage companies’ to produce even more junk food.
“America is facing an obesity epidemic, we’re facing crushing debt and a weak economy and yet we’re spending over a billion taxpayer dollars every year subsidizing junk food ingredients.”
Weissman says New Jersey’s share of the subsidies is enough to buy more than 80 million Twinkies a year but only 2 million apples.
© 2012 WBGO News
WBGO Newsroom
-
Lawsuit Filed Against NYPD For Muslim Surveillance Program
June 18, 2013
A group of Muslim New Yorkers has filed a lawsuit against the City of New York challenging the NYPD’s Muslim surveillance program as unconstitutional. Read More
-
No NJ Budget Agreement Yet
Trenton. June 18, 2013
Senate Democratic leaders expect budget bill vote soon. Read More
-
Ribbons Symobolize Child Abuse Victims at Wynona's House
Newark. June 18, 2013
Why are blue ribbons popping up on the corner of Washington Street and Raymond Boulevard in Newark? Read More
-
Bill To Toughen Boat Accident Penalties
Trenton. June 18, 2013
Supporters hope it will be a deterrent. Read More
-
FEMA Releases New Flood Maps
June 17, 2013
FEMA has released updated flood maps for four New Jersey counties most heavily impacted by Sandy. Read More
More Local News
NPR
Sign-up for WBGO News
Newark Today
A monthly, one-hour, live call-in program focusing on social, economic and political topics pertaining to Newark.
Newark Today
Making a difference in Newark's great outdoors. On the next Newark, we're looking at the rehab of Military Park by the guy who did NYC's Bryant Park, the latest efforts to improve the county parks in Newark, and the efforts of the Greater Newark Conservancy to green the smaller spaces in between. Join us with your own questions and observations and let us know what's on your wish list for Newark's parks, Thursday, June 20th at 8pm! You can call us at 1-800-499-9246 when the program begins, or you can e-mail us your question now at newarktoday@wbgo.org.
Conversations with Allan Wolper
Each month Allan Wolper chats with unique personalities whose ideas are on the cutting edge.
Allan talks with producer Holly Gordon
Holly Gordon is the executive producer of Girl Rising, a feature film and worldwide project that is part of a campaign to improve educational opportunities for girls in developing countries. The film is narrated by a Hollywood A list that includes Meryl Street, Ann Hathaway, Salma Hayak and Liam Neeson.
Listen NowSportsJam with Doug Doyle
Sports Director Doug Doyle chats with players, coaches, owners, broadcasters, fans and musicians.
MLB Veteran Garry Templeton
A 16-year veteran of Major League Baseball, Garry Templeton was a three-time all star shortstop. He helped the San Diego Padres get to the World Series in 1984. Templeton is now the new manager of the Newark Bears.
Listen Now
Jazz-e-news
Listen Now
Blog
Photos
Contribute
NPR