I’m always excited to get the Union of Concerned Scientists magazine. Recently, Darya Minovi’s story in Volume 25, Summer 2025, about RFK especially caught my eye, and encouraged my correspondence with her. I’m a fan of RFK. However, I’m not so fond of his radical decisions to dismiss the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists.

As I set pen to paper today, I am reminded of the countless conversations and silent
reflections that have accompanied my journey and have taught me that our lives are
woven from choices—small and grand, public and private—that echo far beyond the
present moment. Through these years, I’ve come to appreciate the extraordinary
complexity of the food systems that underpin our well-being, and the immense
responsibility we share in stewarding them wisely.

I write to you today with a heart full of concern and hope, reflecting on how decades
spent in the fields, conference rooms, and bustling aisles of markets have shaped my
Understanding of wellness, food, and the forces that transform them. The pursuit of
optimum well-being, both personal and collective, has been my compass, guiding me
through triumphs and setbacks, and inspiring me to seek new ways forward.
In tracing the arc of my own experience, I have witnessed firsthand the tension between
tradition and progress—between the wisdom handed down through generations and the
urgency of adapting to new realities. It is in the delicate balance of these forces that
meaningful change is born, often sparked by moments of clarity in the midst of
uncertainty.

This journey has taught me to listen, not only to the experts whose data shape our
policies, but also to the quiet voices in rural villages, urban centers, and the vibrant
crossroads where cultures meet and mingle. Their stories remind me that the substance
Wellness is not measured solely by statistics, but by the quality of
connection—between people, land, and the values we choose to uphold.

As I reflect upon these interwoven relationships, I am struck by how easily the threads
can fray—how the pressures of modern life, economic necessity, and shifting cultural
landscapes can erode the very connections we most need to preserve. There have
been winters when the fields lay dormant and hope seemed scarce, and summers
where abundance brought its dilemmas of distribution and access. Through it all,
I’ve learned that sustaining a vision for wellness requires more than optimism; it calls for
a pragmatic embrace of complexity and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
We are called to look beyond the surface, to recognize not only what is grown and
traded but also how these processes shape the communities and ecosystems that 
support us. In this regard, the stories of those whose hands tend the soil and those
whose voices rarely find the microphone have become my teachers. They have
challenged me to reconsider the definition of progress, to ask whether our metrics of
success truly reflect the richness of lived experience.

It is in moments of dialogue, where perspectives collide and cooperation emerges from
tension, that I have witnessed the real power of collective action. Whether in informal
gatherings beneath the shade of old trees or structured forums convened to debate the
future of agriculture, I have seen the transformative potential of a shared vision. These
spaces, where difference is not merely tolerated but valued, have shown me that
change, though often slow, is possible when rooted in trust and mutual respect.
Yet I am mindful that our work is far from finished. The complexity of food systems
resists easy solutions, and the competing interests at play can stifle progress or divert it
down unintended paths. Nonetheless, I remain convinced that the path forward lies in
deepening our commitment to dialogue, learning, and adaptation. We must invest in
listening, in seeking out those perspectives that challenge our assumptions, and in
cultivating the patience required for actual systemic change.

As every season brings new challenges, so too does it offer opportunities to renew our
shared purpose and reimagine what is possible. The journey continues, shaped by the
courage to question and the humility to learn.

Our world stands at a crossroads, where the choices we make—individually and
institutionally—will determine not only the health of our generation but also the legacy
we leave to those who follow. It is evident that actual progress demands more than
isolated improvements; it requires a tapestry of efforts, interwoven across sectors and
sustained over time. We must call upon both wisdom and innovation, drawing lessons
from our past and crafting bold visions for the future.

Yet, as we contemplate the way forward, I find myself wrestling with a persistent
question: how can we transcend the boundaries of traditional thinking to embrace a truly
holistic vision of health? Our policies and practices must reflect the intricate
interdependence between human vitality and the ecosystems that sustain us.
Regrettably, too often, institutional silos and short-term incentives have fragmented our
collective power, diluting the transformative potential of well-intentioned reforms.
To build genuine resilience, we must cultivate alliances across disciplines and
generations. Scientists, farmers, activists, educators, and policymakers must unite
around common goals—restoring the integrity of our food supply, regenerating soils,
and reshaping the narrative around nutrition and disease prevention. Equally,
communities must be empowered with the knowledge and tools to reclaim agency over
the choices that define their daily lives.

This calls not for incremental adjustments, but for a paradigm shift—a willingness to
examine the invisible threads that connect food systems to public health outcomes,
environmental stewardship, and social equity. Only through this broader perspective can
We hope to address the converging crises of chronic disease, environmental
degradation, and social fragmentation that threaten our shared future.

I believe the answers lie not only in scientific progress but also in the wisdom etched
into our agricultural and culinary traditions. The Industrial Age, with its marvels and
efficiencies, ushered in unprecedented change—bringing abundance to many, but also
severing our connection to the origins of what we eat and how we care for the land. As
a result, the question of nourishment goes beyond calories and cures; it stretches into
the fabric of how we produce, distribute, and value food in our society.
The challenge before us, then, is not simply to treat illness or manage symptoms, but to
reimagine the systems that create health—in our soil, our food supply, our
neighborhoods, and our institutions. If we are to bridge the gap between knowledge and
action, public will, and policy, we must foster a deeper understanding of the invisible
links that bind personal well-being to planetary health.

This is no small task. It requires us to question not just what fills our plates, but also the
stories, incentives, and power structures that shape those choices. It asks us to listen to
farmers and elders, scientists and youth; to honor evidence while holding space for lived
experience. Above all, it demands that we resist the temptation of technocratic fixes in
favor of holistic, context-sensitive solutions that nurture both body and community,
resilience and renewal.

It is within this context that I recall a pivotal moment—one that bridged my ideals with
real-world action. Not long ago, I found myself immersed in advocacy alongside a
coalition of like-minded individuals. Together, we lobbied for food systems that honored
both human dignity and ecological integrity. Our gatherings ranged from spirited town
halls to intimate kitchen-table discussions, always centered on the conviction that food
is not merely a commodity but a living narrative, one that connects farm, family, and
future.

These efforts did not exist in a vacuum. Each campaign, whether successful or fraught
with resistance, underscored the importance of persistence and coalition-building. It
became clear to me that sustainable transformation relies on more than expert opinions
or regulatory changes; it flourishes when communities reclaim their role as stewards
and storytellers of their nourishment. Through trial and error, I learned that the
smallest grassroots initiatives—school garden projects, local markets, nutrition
workshops—could ignite a ripple effect, shaping policies that once seemed immovable.

And yet, progress is neither linear nor guaranteed. There were moments of doubt when
the machinery of the food industry seemed unyielding, and when the allure of
convenience threatened to eclipse the slower work of regeneration. But in witnessing
the courage of fellow advocates—farmers choosing regenerative methods, parents
demanding transparency, young people reimagining urban spaces—I found hope
renewed. Each voice, each action, contributed to a tapestry of change, woven from both
aspiration and experience.

What emerged from these lived experiences was a more profound conviction that the
movement for healthier, more sustainable food systems cannot be relegated to
policymakers or experts alone. Its true momentum is carried by a chorus of everyday
choices—small but determined acts that, when multiplied across communities, become
a groundswell for transformation. I have seen firsthand that when people rediscover the
relationship between food, place, and possibility, they begin to reclaim their power as
architects of well-being.

This journey, however, is not without its paradoxes. Even as community-led initiatives
take root and awareness of nutrition deepens, we find ourselves navigating a labyrinth
of obstacles: aggressive marketing by food conglomerates, regulatory loopholes, and a
steady stream of ultra-processed products crowding store shelves. The battle for
Nourishing, transparent, and ethically produced food is ongoing and often uphill,
requiring both vigilance and creativity from advocates and consumers alike.
Yet hope persists in quiet revolutions—a neighborhood garden flourishing in a food
desert, a school curriculum reimagined to teach children the origins of their meals, a
small producer choosing transparency over profit. These are the stories that fuel my
resolve: reminders that change is neither abstract nor unattainable, but grows from the
soil of collective intention and action. Suppose we continue to amplify these efforts, nurturing a food culture rooted in equity, ecology, and empowerment. In that case, we may yet tip the scales toward a future where the health of people and the planet are inseparable.
Yet for every story of progress and resilience, new challenges emerge at the
intersection of innovation and consumption. Our advances in food technology, once
heralded for solving scarcity and streamlining supply chains, now present a double–
edged sword. The very systems that promised to democratize abundance have also
distanced us from the essence of nourishment, introducing complexities and risks that
ripple across generations.

As food traditions evolve alongside scientific breakthroughs, society finds itself at a
crossroads: Will we continue to trade quality for convenience, flavor for familiarity, and
transparency for efficiency? Or can we reimagine a future where technological progress
works in harmony with nature and community values, rather than undermining them?
The answers hinge on our collective willingness to scrutinize not just the nutritional
content, but the very composition of what we consume—challenging us to look beyond
glossy advertisements and question the unseen costs embedded in modern diets.
I’m aware of the economic and political reasons why this epidemic is being silenced.
However, I’ve been privy to seeing enormous change while working inside just one
Costco. Thousands of consumers daily are reading labels and doing research into the
ingredients in food. Isn’t this where change often begins? People are making noise!
In the age of convenience, shelves in supermarkets gleam with a dazzling array of
processed foods, alluring in their packaging and promise of instant satisfaction. Yet
behind their tempting exteriors lies a troubling reality: many of these products are laden
with chemicals and ingredients that may pose significant risks to the health and well-
being of humanity. The omnipresence of such foods in modern diets has prompted
scientists, nutritionists, and concerned citizens alike to question the long-term
consequences for individuals.

The Rise of Chemical-Laden Foods
The industrialization of food production has revolutionized how we eat, providing access
to an abundance of affordable and shelf-stable products. However, this transformation
has come at a price. To extend shelf life, enhance flavor, improve texture, and
maintain visual appeal, manufacturers have increasingly relied on a multitude of
additives, preservatives, flavor enhancers, colorings, and chemicals. While some of
these substances have been deemed safe in small quantities, the cumulative effect of
chronic exposure through daily consumption is less well-understood and increasingly
worrisome.
The Prevalence of Additives
Food additives, from artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin to colorants
such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, are now staples in many processed foods. Preservatives
like sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and BHA/BHT are used to prevent spoilage
and extend shelf life. Emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners—like carrageenan and
polysorbate 80—are added to improve texture and consistency. These ingredients can
be found in everything from breakfast cereals and bread to canned soups and frozen
meals.
Yet, mounting evidence suggests that some additives may contribute to adverse health
effects. For example, specific artificial colors have been linked to behavioral issues in
children, while some preservatives are suspected of being carcinogenic or triggering
allergic reactions. In the rush to produce palatable and marketable foods, the potential
risks associated with long-term exposure are often overlooked, leaving consumers
vulnerable to a host of preventable ailments.

Ultra-Processed Ingredients: A Closer Look
Beyond additives, the very foundations of many processed foods are problematic. High-
Fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and refined grains dominate ingredient lists,
offering little nutritional value while increasing the risk of chronic diseases. The
excessive use of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats not only masks the blandness of
processed foods but also conditions taste preferences, making it challenging for
individuals to enjoy whole, natural foods.

 High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Widely used as a sweetener, it is implicated in the
rise of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
 Hydrogenated Oils: These artificially modified fats—trans fats—are notorious for
their association with heart disease and inflammation.
 Refined Grains: Stripped of fiber and nutrients, refined flours contribute to blood
sugar spikes and nutrient deficiencies.
 Excess Sodium: Used to preserve and flavor, high sodium intake is a leading
cause of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
 Artificial Flavors: Engineered to replicate natural tastes, these chemicals often
come with unknown long-term health consequences.
The Impact on Human Health
The health consequences of consuming foods overloaded with chemicals and
detrimental ingredients are far-reaching. Epidemiological studies show a correlation
between diets high in processed foods and increased rates of obesity, diabetes, heart
disease, certain cancers, and neurodevelopmental disorders. While causation can be
challenging to establish due to the complexity of diet and lifestyle factors, the associations
are robust enough to warrant concern.
Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

The prevalence of obesity has soared in recent decades, coinciding with increased
consumption of ultra-processed foods. High levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined
carbohydrates contribute to excessive calorie intake, insulin resistance, and fat
accumulation. The body’s natural satiety signals are overridden by hyper-palatable
combinations of salt, sugar, and fat, leading to chronic overeating.
Cardiovascular Disease

Trans fats, excessive sodium, and added sugars are major culprits in the development
of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that diets rich in processed foods
elevate cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and triglycerides, increasing the risk of heart
attacks and strokes. The World Health Organization has called for the elimination of
industrial trans fats, yet they persist in many products due to lax regulations and
Industry resistance.
Cancer Risk
Some chemicals commonly found in processed foods have been classified as possible
or probable human carcinogens. For instance, nitrites and nitrates, used to cure meats,
can form carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. Artificial sweeteners and
preservatives have also been scrutinized for their potential links to certain cancers.
While regulatory agencies set maximum allowable limits, questions remain about the
cumulative effects of chronic, low-level exposure.
Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Effects
There is growing concern about the impact of food additives on brain development and
behavior, especially in children. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives have been
implicated in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other
neurodevelopmental issues. Emerging research suggests that the gut-brain
axis—mediated by diet—may play a role in mood, cognition, and mental health
outcomes.
Societal and Environmental Consequences
Beyond personal health, the widespread consumption of chemically overloaded foods
has broader societal and environmental impacts. The demand for cheap, processed
ingredients drives monoculture agriculture, intensive livestock farming, and
unsustainable production practices. These systems contribute to soil depletion, water
pollution, loss of biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions, amplifying the
environmental footprint of our diets.
The Burden on Healthcare Systems
The medical costs associated with diet-related diseases are staggering. Treating
chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension places a heavy
burden on healthcare systems, diverting resources from preventative care and public
health initiatives. The economic impact is compounded by lost productivity, decreased
quality of life, and increased mortality rates.
Why Are Harmful Ingredients So Pervasive?
Profit motives, convenience, and regulatory loopholes often drive the proliferation of harmful ingredients in food. Food companies prioritize cost reduction and mass appeal, engineering products that are addictive and inexpensive to produce. Regulatory agencies may lack the resources or political will to rigorously test additives, relying on industry-funded studies and outdated safety assessments. The result is a marketplace flooded with products that prioritize shelf stability and profit over health and well-being.
Marketing and Misinformation
Aggressive marketing strategies further perpetuate the consumption of detrimental
foods. Glossy advertisements target children and adults alike, presenting processed
foods as wholesome, fun, and essential parts of daily life. Nutritional information is often
obfuscated with misleading claims and confusing labels, making it difficult for
consumers to make informed choices.
Moving Toward Healthier Choices
Addressing the crisis of food overloaded with chemicals and harmful ingredients
requires collective action on multiple fronts.
 Regulation: Strengthening oversight and updating safety standards for food
additives and ingredients is critical.
 Consumer Education: Empowering individuals to read labels, understand
ingredients, and choose minimally processed foods can help shift demand.
 Food Industry Reform: Incentivizing the production of healthier, whole food
options and reducing reliance on harmful substances can reshape the food
landscape.
 Community Initiatives: Supporting local agriculture, farmers’ markets, and
nutrition education programs builds resilience and fosters healthier eating habits.
Conclusion
The story of food is intertwined with the story of humanity—what we choose to nourish
ourselves with shapes our bodies, minds, and societies. The prevalence of chemical-
Laden and detrimental ingredients in modern diets is a silent epidemic, undermining
health and vitality. By raising awareness, demanding transparency, and advocating for
change, individuals and communities can reclaim their right to wholesome nutrition and
pave the way toward a healthier future for all.

Darya Minovi, thank you and all the UCS for doing the incredible work you do. I hope
This lengthy letter and information give you pause to consider.

 

“The Fragile Web That Feeds Us”