What's Cooking Uncle Sam?

Yesterday, Alex and I returned from a long weekend spent in Washington DC with good friends, Scuba Steve and Nula. We made plans to visit DC after I heard about an exhibit at the National Archives entitled "What's Cooking Uncle Sam?", the government's effect on the American diet. Over the past year I've been incredibly interested in food policy and regulations concerning the food that ends up on our tables. It was exciting that this exhibit appears at a time when I'm most interested in knowing more. And the exhibit did not disappoint.



The exhibit was an informative walk-through featuring legislation and food marketing and their effects on the American diet. It began with farming and how we came to farm the varieties we do today; then moved onto industrialization and the new food products this was able to bring us (like ketchup). It talked about the evolution of the food pyramid, including guides for moms how to cook by the government regulations (and on different budgets): promoting variety and essential nutrients. The exhibit showed different company and government marketing used throughout WWI and WWII dealing with shortages and trying to entice the public to eat less processed food (so it could go to the troops) and grow "freedom gardens" (even in cities). They government even handed out seeds to promote diversity, giving out recipes and instructions what to do with new varieties of food. The exhibit ended around the 1950's with how the government was influencing school cafeterias [and when big business takes over influencing what ends up on our tables]. (The exhibit was sponsored by Mars, Inc. who makes M&Ms, Wringley's gum, and Uncle Ben's rice, among other things.)

I think one of the most interesting points was how the modern American plate literally looks: We don't like our food touching. This started in the 40's with WWII and how the troops were fed. Nutritionists determined the optimal menu (about 3,000 calories a day) and served meals separated trays, a place for each item: protein, vegetable, starch, etc. When the soldiers returned home, this is what they expected from their wives. And that is why even today, many Americans don't like their food touching. I always make fun of Alex for this. I'm a big fan of soups and stews where it's a one-dish meal and could care less if my vegetables are served over the starch. Alex, like most typical Americans, does not. It's interesting to know the origin of this now.

The rest of our time in DC was fantastic as well. We started with a trip to the Spy Museum, a must see if you haven't been. It's really well done and has displays and interactive material that appeal to all ages. It covers the whole history of spy from early humans to modern day. When you first arrive you have to memorize an identity and there are two checkpoints within the museum where you can test your knowledge of your adopted identity. That was also a fun part. (I failed my mission in the end, Alex didn't.)

We also have a lot of friends (and some family) in DC, so we had a lot of lunch and dinner dates while we were in town. DC really isn't too far for us, and it was great to see everyone we met with, including Alex's cousin, Henry, and his girlfriend Kathy, who are fairly new DC residents.

Of course we stopped at most of the major tourist areas: the White House, the Washington Monument, Lincoln memorial, etc. And we visited two Smithsonians: the Air and Space museum and the museum of Natural History. We grabbed some virtual geocaches while in DC as well.

Overall, it was a fantastic long weekend with great friends and lots of awesome things to see. I really like DC, it's a clean city that's pretty easy to navigate. Definitely wouldn't mind going back anytime soon. There's so much we didn't get to see! =)