A Pound of Hamburger Meat Would Cost $30 Without Tax Payer Subsidies
The True Cost of a Hamburger: Unveiling Hidden Subsidies
Hamburgers, those quintessential fast-food delights, have become a staple in many diets around the world. But what if I told you that the price you pay for that juicy patty doesn’t reflect its true cost? Buckle up as we explore why a pound of hamburger meat could cost a whopping $30 without taxpayer subsidies.
The Subsidization Game
The United States federal government allocates a staggering $38 billion annually to prop up the meat and dairy industries. These subsidies significantly reduce the price of meat products, including hamburgers. Research from 2015 reveals that these subsidies slash the price of a pound of hamburger meat from $30 to the $5 we see today
However, here’s the catch: subsidies merely lower the market price of meat. They don’t account for the total cost of meat production. Instead, they shift part of these costs onto non-meat consumers. In a truly free market…
