Those of us who care about food and where it comes from will miss both Obama and Michelle. Even though Obama failed to do many things he indicated he would do around food, Michelle Obama has done a lot to shine a light on the link between diet and health, which is really important.

In this quote, Michael Pollan expresses his admiration for Michelle Obama’s efforts in addressing the important connection between diet and health during her time as First Lady. Pollan acknowledges that, while President Obama may not have fulfilled many of his promises related to food policy, Michelle Obama made significant strides in raising awareness about the impact of food choices on public health. Specifically, her initiatives, such as the Let's Move campaign, focused on combating childhood obesity and promoting healthier eating habits, which Pollan views as crucial.

Pollan points out that Michelle Obama’s work was significant because it helped to shine a light on the relationship between food and health, a connection that is often overlooked in public discourse. By focusing on improving school lunches, advocating for better food labeling, and encouraging healthier lifestyles, Michelle Obama helped to bring these important issues into the national conversation. Her efforts were not only about providing healthier food options but also about fostering an understanding of how diet directly affects well-being.

However, Pollan also notes that President Obama, despite his promises, was unable to implement many of the changes he initially suggested regarding food policy. This statement reflects Pollan’s frustration with the limited progress on food-related issues during Obama’s presidency. While Michelle Obama’s initiatives were successful in raising awareness, the broader political landscape and lobbying pressures likely hindered more substantial policy changes in areas like food reform and nutrition.

Ultimately, Pollan’s quote reflects a mixed view of the Obama administration’s achievements in the area of food and health. While he expresses appreciation for Michelle Obama’s advocacy work, he also highlights the challenges and shortcomings in addressing food policy at the national level, particularly the failure to bring about broader changes in the food system despite the First Lady’s significant efforts.