2025 Government Shutdown: SNAP Los Angeles

Food is seen as a way to bring people together by sharing recipes as stories from our lives. Sadly, with the US government being shut down, now food can also bring a place of sorrow to the soul. Since November 1st, more than 1.5 million children and adults have lost their SNAP benefits, facing a harsh reality, days or more without access to foods. ¹

Los Angeles county leaders are dedicating ample time and funds towards supporting people in these uncertain times. The county has funded $10 Million to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. ¹ The funding will be allocated to providing more foods and creating more pick-up locations for people to access the foods. L.A. Care Health Plan will provide $5.4 million to three major food banks in the surrounding area. ¹ The three organizations who will be provided funding are; Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Food Forward® and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. ¹ Various County departments have banned together to provide additional funds of $2 million to establish temporary food programs though Parks and Recreation and the Department of Health. ¹

We are not alone. In these seemingly desperate times, remember, unity is power and this unity can be used to bring strength to OUR government systems. And I do mean OUR systems. There may be a desire to put blinders up in regards to politics but the effects of ignoring policy can leave us all in an unfathomable dark. You do not have to be a nonprofit organizer, attorney or politician to create impact in this time of amplified food scarcity. You can donate foods or money, speak up in everyday life, post to social media, call your representatives or have food parties with your neighbors.

The most valuable thing we can do is refuse to remain silent. Every person, regardless of age, gender, sex, ethnic background, financial class, education level, we all deserve access to healthy and nutritionally rich foods! Living in a world where some parts of society want to convince us otherwise is bewildering. Even in these jarring times, this blogger encourages you to remain resolved. Focus only on what you can do and know, the power is in our hands.

Below you will find a link created by Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to help the public find their local pick-up center. These food banks are also a great resource to find out how to donate and volunteer if that is your desire.

Link to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Food Bank Finder

¹ County of Los Angeles, Public Service Announcement: Heat Safety Tips, LACounty.gov (June 5, 2023), https://lacounty.gov/heat-safety-psa.

How our FDA Currently Regulates Cosmetics

How our FDA Currently Regulates Cosmetics

The FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). It is the responsibility of the cosmetic manufacturers to ensure their products and ingredients are safe for consumers when used as directed. The FDA does not conduct pre-market safety testing for cosmetic products, with the exception of color additives. It is crucial for consumers to be informed about the ingredients in cosmetics and to make choices that align with their personal safety preferences.

Do companies use carcinogens in their cosmetics? What should you do?

The short answer, sometimes. It is vital to research the brands you use! I recommend people begin a “trusted brands” journal. Begin with what you must purchase next. For example, if your next purchase is face wash, research the ingredients in what you currently use. If you find it is good quality, write that in your ‘trusted brands’ journal. If not, note that as well and begin a journey to find something healthier. Note your research and compare products if necessary. Before you know it, you’ll have a list of companies you can rely on.

To advocate for the FDA to be stricter in regard to ingredients in cosmetics, you can take the following steps:

1. Contact Your Representatives: Write to your local representatives and senators urging them to support legislation for tighter regulations on cosmetic ingredients.

2. Raise Awareness: Use your voice on social media platforms or within your community to educate others about the importance of safer cosmetic ingredients and the need for stronger FDA regulations.

3. Participate in Public Comment Periods: When the FDA opens up public comment periods on cosmetic regulations, voice your concerns and support for more stringent ingredient guidelines. Look to FDA.GOV for dates throughout the year!

By taking these actions, you can contribute to the efforts to encourage the FDA to enhance its oversight of cosmetic ingredients.

Organic and Non-Organic Pesticides: USA

Organic pesticides are regarded as a safer alternative to conventional pesticides due to their natural origins. However, both types of pesticides have the potential to pose environmental and health risks if not used properly.

Why is American pesticide policy more lenient than other countries?

American pesticide policy is often perceived as more lenient than that of other countries. The US acquired this perception by commonly prioritizing productivity and economic interests over human and environmental health.

Additionally, the regulatory process for approving pesticides in the United States is criticized for its reliance on industry-funded studies. This can create conflicts of interest and lead to potentially biased or incomplete information about the safety and long-term effects of pesticides.

Overall, the combination of industry influence and regulatory processes has contributed to the view that American pesticide policy is more lenient compared to many other countries.

What can I do to make sure I am avoiding the unhealthy pesticides?

Don’t walk RUN to your local Farmers Markets. Most cities have them weekdays and weekends, so there is a variety of times to shop. Note: Farmers’ markets do not guarantee pesticides free foods. But you do have the opportunity to speak directly with your food vendors. Simply ask! Most vendors are so kind and want to help educate. Choose a day where you can go with a list of goodies in mind and questions in tow!

Questions to ask:

1. What type of pesticides do you use?

   1. When they tell you, you can do a quick search to see if there are any major warnings concerning that pesticide.

2. Do you test your pesticides third party or in house?

   1. Third party is best, less chance of bias.

3. Have they been proven to be harmful to humans?

   1. If so, determine if this is an item you’d bring into your home.

Greenwashing & Health Washing?

Greenwashing

Greenwashing is a marketing practice where a company gives a false impression of environmental responsibility. Companies engaged in greenwashing often exaggerate the sustainability of their products or use misleading labels to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

This can ultimately mislead people into believing that they are making eco-friendly choices when, in fact, they are not. It is essential for consumers to remain vigilant and informed to distinguish genuine sustainable practices from greenwashing in the marketplace.

Health Washing

Companies use marketing tactics to make people think food is healthier than it really is, this practice is commonly referred to as health washing. Health washing involves strategies such as using misleading labels, exaggerated health claims, or attractive packaging to give the impression that a product is more nutritious or wholesome than it actually is.

This practice is not legal if deception is involved. Sadly, some companies use vague language, like ‘natural’. The term natural does not have a legal definition and therefore creates a gray area in our current system.

Also, companies often market one aspect of their product. For example, a label might read, does not use artificial flavors, while still using gum fillers, ‘natural’ flavorings or syrups. The marketing can lead one to believe the company is health focused while they are simply health washing.

This can lead to consumer confusion and misinterpretation of the actual nutritional value of the food product. It is essential for consumers to critically evaluate food labels and marketing messages to make informed choices about the products they purchase and consume.

Recognizing Greenwashing and Health Washing

To recognize these deceptive practices, consider the following:

1. Read the Labels Carefully: Look for specific certifications and labels from reputable organizations. Be wary of vague terms like "all-natural" or "eco-friendly" without any evidence to back them up.

2. Check the Ingredients: Always take a look at the ingredients list! Just because a product claims to be green or healthy doesn't mean it's true.

3. Research the Company: Look into the company's track record and reputation. Have they been called out for greenwashing or health washing in the past? Do they have a history of ethical practices?

4. Evaluate the Marketing Claims: Be skeptical of exaggerated or unsubstantiated marketing claims. If something sounds too good to be true, it just may be.

Be proactive if possible and breath. Take your research one product and day at a time.

What is G.R.A.S.?

GRAS: Generally Recognized as Safe

GRAS, an acronym for "Generally Recognized as Safe," is a significant designation given to substances used in food, food additives, or food packaging materials by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The GRAS status is supposed to be an assurance that a substance is considered safe for consumption or use in food-related products, without the need for a formal pre-market approval.
The concept of GRAS dates back to the passage of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act in 1938 as part of efforts to protect public health and safety. Under the FD&C Act, substances that are considered to be GRAS are exempted from the stringent approval process required for food additives. This expertise driven approach takes into account the considerable scientific knowledge and consensus surrounding the safety of certain substances.

Note: Our goods (e.g. cosmetics, shampoos) are not exempt from GRAS ingredients.

The Concerns

Globalization has opened the door for foods to be grown then shipped in most places of the world. With such a fluctuation of goods, updating regulations and evaluating our standards is necessary. Quality goods are not only about the nutrition of food. Additional points of importance are how the product is produced, where it is grown and the chemicals it may encounter during its journey to your home.

Even if the food item is known to be safe, the processes the food undergoes before it gets to your table are exterly relevent.

• Soil Contamination: Foods can absorb lead from contaminated soil, often due to pollution or the use of lead-containing pesticides.

• Processing Equipment: Improperly maintained equipment or lead-based materials used during processing can introduce trace amounts of lead.

• Quality Control Issues: Some suppliers may not have strict testing protocols to ensure their products are free of heavy contamination.

  In some unethical cases, some companies or suppliers have intentionally added lead to spices, usually as a way to enhance color and weight for profit.

It is important to note that these concerns and controversies surrounding GRAS do not necessarily imply that all GRAS substances are inherently unsafe. However, they highlight the need for increased transparency, independent oversight, and rigorous safety assessments to ensure consumer confidence in the safety of the food and beverages they consume.

Read The Ingredients Label!

I know we preach it daily but READ THE LABELS! Okay Okay, I’m sorry for yelling. It’s just, this simple habit will truly help you live a healthier life. FDA and programs like GRAS are not perfect, but we can educate ourselves to understand what is best for our bodies.

If you find yourself too busy to read each ingredient label or value your family time over constant research, we can help! Personal Shopper was designed so we can shop for you while we relax. We call you for a consolation to understand your needs, then we shop & deliver! More info here!

Know your Policy : What You Will Learn Here?

Hello Friend,

This corner of the web is dedicated to brining foods and goods education to your home. The misinformation in the world is vast, and marketing makes it confusing to know what products are clean or not! GB is one company in our world, whose goal is to minimize confusion and create a safe place for discord.

GB has a Know Your Foods blog, focused on healthy brands who have your foods quality and your health in mind. The Know Your Goods blog is designed to give brand recognition to companies who only sell goods that are not harmful but helpful to our lives. And here, at the Know Your Policy blog, we focus on what is happening in America and our food systems. Due to our expanding globalized society, many topics will touch on laws and regulations out of the USA that affect us as well.

Please be kind in the comments field and respect the differences people may have. This blog is not created to teach which diet is best (Vegan, Meat-lovers etc.), but rather, how to identify healthful versus non-healthful items and gain clarity on our food/ingredient policies.

Enjoy, stay educated, and WELCOME!