The Government’s Effect on the American Diet
“What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? The Government’s Effect on the American Diet” is an exhibition of records from the holdings of the National Archives that trace the ways that food has occupied the hearts and minds of Americans and their government. It’s on display in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., through January 3, 2012.
These documents and images reflect many of the current concerns about food safety and nutrition. Check out the stories and personalities behind the increasingly complex programs and legislation that affect what Americans eat. Learn about Government’s extraordinary efforts, successes, and failures to change our eating habits. From Revolutionary War rations to Cold War cultural exchanges, discover the multiple ways that food has occupied the hearts and minds of Americans and their Government. There are over 100 original records in the exhibit — including folk songs, war posters, educational films and even seed packets.
The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, was created by the exhibit staff of the National Archives Experience with support from the Foundation for the National Archives. Opening hours through Labor Day are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. after that date.
(Logo courtesy of the National Archives)
