The Food Pyramid Scheme

So we now have a new Food Pyramid. Why? Because the old one established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1992 led to the unhealthiest generation yet; Gen Y.
Dear Millennials, before I go on, I want to let you know it’s not your fault you have the highest incidence of obesity, diabetes, and other major health issues. You can blame it on your Gen X parents, who are also unhealthy, and because we are the ones who fed you.
Or can we all agree that the USDA, whose Food Pyramid told us to eat lots of carbs and processed foods, is partially to blame? As it turns out, a carb-based diet supplemented by Pop Tarts and juice boxes was not good for you.
The old food pyramid was controversial from the start. But we can’t blame science for this one. A federal government, infiltrated by special interest groups and lobbyists for farmers, ranchers, and the rest of “Big Ag“, overstepped the science and sacrificed the health of all of us.
The USDA created the old food pyramid, not the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and that is where the conflict lies. The USDA’s goal is to promote American agriculture and the FDA’s goal is protecting public health. Therein lies the conflict that created the Food Pyramid Scheme.
When dietary advice threatened major industries like wheat, corn, beef, and dairy, the science got pushed aside. The USDA’s conflicting goals often created recommendations that were softened, blurred, or rearranged so they would not reduce demand for US agriculture products.
Think about this. The old Food Pyramid suggested six to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice, and pasta per day. The only people that need that many carbs are marathon runners. The base of the pyramid wasn’t driven by food science, it was more about surplus grain production, Federal subsidies for corn and wheat and a food manufacturing complex that turns these grains into high carb, shelf stable products. #sugarcornpops
Moms sent the kids off to school after a nice nutritious breakfast of skim milk and Frosted Flakes. Kids were served school lunches based on the pyramid, with pizza, fries and mac n’ cheese on the menu. The evening meal was the only time each day where a protein was served, and after school activities oftentimes meant stopping by Mickey D’s for McNuggets.
Luckily for us, the new food pyramid was developed with the US Health and Human Services Department. It’s at https://realfood.gov/ and I recommend you read it. Regardless of how much you may or may not like RFK Jr., it’s actually based on scientific data from the last few decades.
MONDAY:
TIP ONE BACK AT TEXAS INN
Turns out that people in the Capital City like a beer with their Cheesy Western, so we started an experiment — selling beer and cider at our RVA location.
We’re offering Michelob Ultra, Richmond Lager, Falcon Smash IPA, Bold Rock Cider, and a Mimosa – also from Bold Rock! (Don’t worry, we’re not turning into a bougie brunch place.)
It’s been a hit so far! (and if it works out, we might bring brewskis to the other locations.) You want beer? Email me your thoughts!
TUESDAY:
TECH FOR TROOPS
On Tuesday, the gang and I took a field trip to visit Tech for Troops to get a behind-the-scenes look at this great nonprofit organization. We got to see how donated technology is securely processed through their data destruction program, refurbished, and then put back into service for veterans. They also spoke about Game Corps and its focus on connection, community, and mental health support for veterans through gaming. If you’ve got old tech laying around the house, you can give back and make a difference with this great group.

WEDNESDAY:
BUCKLE UP… FOR A NEW CLIENT!
Wednesday evening, the team headed to Main Street Station to sit in with our new client, Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, at a town hall meeting that invited the community – that’s you! – to weigh in on how to best get Virginians to buckle up. We’re proud to partner with Drive Smart and IIHS to help get this important message out, and there are more opportunities to be heard: 3 more town hall meetings will be held, and you can view those dates and see more local initiatives to promote safety on the roads, here!
THURSDAY:
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
This week, Matt Harbour, Retail Area Manager with our client, Carter Bank, weighed in on the recent announcement that the US Federal Reserve is ceasing the production of pennies. Business owners, toll road takers, and coin collectors alike agree–this is a big “change”! Read this insider look on how a nation without new pennies will work, and what to do with the ones we’ve got!
FRIDAY:
DAVE ON THE (AIR)WAVES
It’s Friday, again! So as always, you can count on my insider info, as I joined Rich Herrera on Richmond’s Morning News this morning to make sure you know what events to attend here in RVA.
ICYMI, here’s the link.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Friday, January 16, 2026, 3:00pm-8:00pm
Location: 17th Street Market | 100 N 17th St, Richmond, VA
Governor-elect Spanberger’s inaugural weekend will kick off with a public, free-to-attend market featuring more than 40 local artisans, small businesses, and food vendors from across the Commonwealth.
Virginians can browse a wide array of accessories and apparel, wellness products, toys, games, art, paper goods, and foods. The Made in Virginia Market will also feature live musical performances and a special guest appearance by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger at 4:00 p.m.
Check out the Virginia artisans, small businesses, and food vendors participating in the market!
“I think you all know that I’ve always felt the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.” – Ronald Reagan