this post was submitted on 16 Jan 2026
37 points (100.0% liked)

Politics

11118 readers
185 users here now

In-depth political discussion from around the world; if it's a political happening, you can post it here.


Guidelines for submissions:

These guidelines will be enforced on a know-it-when-I-see-it basis.


Subcommunities on Beehaw:


This community's icon was made by Aaron Schneider, under the CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.

founded 4 years ago
MODERATORS
 

The US agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, is facing ridicule from congressional Democrats – among others – after claiming Americans can save money and have their meals align with new Department of Health and Human Services dietary guidelines by simply eating “a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli”, “a corn tortilla” and “one other thing”.

One representative even called the remarks “a slap in the face to struggling working families”.

Rollins made the remarks during an interview with NewsNation in response to a question about how average Americans will afford adapting their meals to the White House’s updated food pyramid, which emphasizes red meat, full-fat dairy and saturated fats while discouraging ultra-processed foods and sugar. The rising cost of groceries has been a major issue for Americans in recent years.

So, the Columbo approach to meal planning. And I do love having a single spear of broccoli for garnish atop a corn tortilla.

ETA: The irony of saying immigrants are the problem and then suggesting tortillas is ... stunning.

top 15 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] TehPers@beehaw.org 2 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

Wanna know what's cheap, nutritious, and tasty? Black beans, white rice, and a corn (or flour) tortilla with a little butter (or butter alternative). Add some meat if you have it and some cilantro if you want, but the beans and rice are super cheap in bulk, and beans are great. You can also refry the beans (less healthy ofc) or cook the leftovers into gallo pinto. There's also other ways to prepare them, like soups, tacos, burritos, etc. You can even turn the rice into horchata (just be careful to find a recipe that's food safe!).

Look, I grew up on this food, and it's damn good. Also, the base ingredients are as cheap as it gets.

Ironically, my partner is allergic to broccoli, so the suggested meal wouldn't even work for us. And that's of course ignoring vegans and vegetarians.

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 2 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

Why would you encourage people to eat soap?

[–] TehPers@beehaw.org 2 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

Keeps your insides clean. Soap should also break down any fats and cholesterols in the blood.*

* Do not try this at home.

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 2 points 11 hours ago* (last edited 11 hours ago)

You can just suggest bleach injections and divert responsibility. It's still better than eating cilantro.

[–] xxce2AAb@feddit.dk 17 points 22 hours ago

Don't forget to say a prayer for the poor struggling billionaires before you eat, peons.

And wear a suit.

[–] Viking_Hippie@lemmy.dbzer0.com 10 points 21 hours ago (1 children)

the White House’s updated food pyramid, which emphasizes red meat, full-fat dairy and saturated fats

MAHAA: More American heart attacks again

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 8 points 21 hours ago* (last edited 14 hours ago) (1 children)

I'd love to see what would happen if Trump were served a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli and a corn tortilla. What would the one other thing be? Goya beans?

[–] KumaLumaJuma@feddit.uk 2 points 14 hours ago
[–] MachineFab812@discuss.tchncs.de 7 points 22 hours ago (2 children)

My work lunches are both more nutritious and have more calories. I spend all of five minutes tossing whatever looks good in my lunch-box.

Could say the same about my youngest's grade-school lunches, but my wife puts more thought into those.

So their "meal" is meant to feed what? A fussy toddler who likes broccoli?

[–] RaoulDuke85@piefed.social 1 points 14 hours ago

I've been eating a lot more grains and lentils and veggies and it's pretty cheap and nutritious. Meat is a luxury.

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 4 points 22 hours ago (2 children)

Hey, I was the weird toddler who liked broccoli. This said, Mom was very generous with the butter and Knorr Aromat. Sadly, in this scenario, you only get one more thing, so I guess I'd pick the Aromat.

[–] Wigners_friend@piefed.social 2 points 20 hours ago (1 children)

Wait... aromat exists outside South Africa?

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 1 points 20 hours ago

It's a Swiss thing. Probably owned by Nestle or Unilever at this point.

[–] MachineFab812@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 21 hours ago

I didn't say weird. When it comes to toddlers, like people, "weird" is a feature, not a bug.

[–] octobob@lemmy.ml 2 points 18 hours ago

Is the "one more thing" a natty daddy tall boy because sounds like a great meal to me