The emphasis on fresh high-quality food made me wonder if that sort of food is more satisfying (and filling) than what the author sees in American food. Does eating poor quality food leave you hungry? (Also, consider people living in “grocery deserts” who subsist on large amounts of fast food. Their obesity rates are very high.)
Yes, maize is subsidized, and yes, the majority is turned into corn syrup. Culturally, there has been a shift away from corn syrup so lots of products popping up using sugar instead (cuz, ya know, that’s so much better). But the products with corn syrup are right next to them, and people usually can’t afford the newer “less processed” alternatives.