At a recent trip to the grocery store I realized just how much of the American food system is devoted to pre-packaged goods. In comparison to the other aisles the produce section is small.
I realize this is a product of the nuclear-family, industrialization, world trade, working families etc., but does anyone else feel it is excessive and a bit frightening ?
Not to mention the numerous diseases, genetic mutations (yes, TBHQ causes DNA altering), etc of substances the FDA allows in pre-made food...when does it end? When does the health of a nation become more important than a dollar? Because this is really the only question when it comes to healthy eating.

I feel that cultures are based around their agricultural and thus food systems. That community comes from the kitchen and that food is identity (in many ways). This is the basis for my question.