As dads, we’re often the ones grilling burgers in the backyard, packing lunches, or sneaking an extra cookie with the kids when Mom isn’t looking. But behind those everyday moments is a growing concern: our food supply isn’t what it used to be. A recent podcast conversation among a group of fathers—myself included—highlighted this reality, blending humor, frustration, and real talk about how far we’ve drifted from natural, nourishing food. The discussion touched on everything from hunting as a rite of passage to the hidden dangers in processed snacks, and it’s worth unpacking for any dad trying to protect his family’s health.

The Lost Connection to Real Food

We used to hunt, gather, and raise what we ate. That direct link—sitting quietly in the woods for hours, feeling the peace of nature, or teaching a son to field-dress game—built not just meals but character, bonds, and appreciation. Most modern men will never experience that. We’re generations removed from the hunt, and as one guy put it, taking away the “hunt” from animals (even in zoos, they simulate it) drives them stir-crazy. The same goes for us. Sitting in a tree stand isn’t about the kill every time; it’s grounding, meditative, and a reminder that food doesn’t just appear on shelves.

Today, food is ultra-processed, loaded with preservatives, seed oils, and additives that make it last forever on the shelf but wreak havoc on our bodies. We’ve swapped hunter-gatherer instincts for drive-thru convenience, and the results show: skyrocketing obesity, metabolic issues, and even challenges like autism spikes tied to environmental factors (including diet and prenatal exposures). As dads, we’re seeing it in our own energy levels, our kids’ focus, and the struggle to stay fit despite workouts.

The Shocking Reality: Arsenic in Everyday Candy

One eye-opener from the chat was recent testing by the Florida Department of Health under their Healthy Florida First initiative (announced in late January 2026). They analyzed 46 popular candies from major brands, and arsenic—a toxic heavy metal linked to long-term risks like cancer—was detected in 28 of them. Levels were measured in parts per billion (ppb), with “safe” annual limits calculated conservatively for kids based on chronic exposure risks.

Key examples that hit home for any dad stocking the pantry:

  • Nerds (Grape or Strawberry varieties): Around 380–450 ppb, with a suggested child limit of about 96 small pieces (0.5g each) per year to stay under safe thresholds.
  • Nerds Gummy Clusters: Up to 500 ppb, dropping the limit to roughly 24 pieces annually for kids.
  • Jolly Ranchers (e.g., Sour Apple hard candy): As high as 540 ppb, with limits as low as 6 pieces per year for children.

These aren’t obscure brands—they’re the ones kids beg for at the checkout or get in Halloween hauls. The concern isn’t one piece here or there; it’s cumulative exposure from multiple sources (candy, rice, juices, etc.). Industry groups have pushed back, arguing the benchmarks are overly strict or misapplied from water/soil standards rather than food-specific ones, but the report sparked real discussion about transparency for families.

This ties into broader U.S. food issues: Many additives banned or restricted in Europe (like certain dyes or preservatives) are still common here due to looser regulations and corporate influence. Vertical integration means the same big players profit from food that contributes to illness… and then from the drugs treating it.

Steps Dads Can Take Right Now

You don’t need to go full “crunchy” (though making your own bread or ice cream feels empowering). Start small and practical:

  1. Reconnect with real food sources — If you can, hunt or fish. Even if you don’t bag anything, the time outdoors recharges you and teaches kids patience and respect for nature. It’s exercise, mental health, and a lesson in effort = reward.
  2. Cut back on ultra-processed stuff — Read labels. Swap seed-oil-heavy snacks for whole foods: eggs, steak, veggies, homemade meals. One dad in the chat eats 8 eggs a day now with perfect cholesterol after ditching processed junk—proof the old “eggs are bad” advice was off-base.
  3. Be mindful of treats — Limit candy, especially the ones flagged in reports. Opt for homemade desserts or brands with cleaner ingredients. Teach kids moderation and why we’re choosing differently.
  4. Stay informed on reforms — Figures like RFK Jr. (as HHS Secretary) are pushing to phase out artificial dyes, scrutinize GRAS loopholes, and curb ultra-processed foods under “Make America Healthy Again.” Progress is happening—more natural colors are being approved, and companies are committing to changes—but it takes time.

As fathers, our job isn’t just providing—it’s protecting. That means questioning what’s in the food we feed our families, reclaiming some of that old-school connection to what sustains us, and leading by example. The system won’t fix itself overnight, but small choices add up. Your kids will thank you—not just for the occasional treat, but for the health and strength you’re helping them build.

What changes are you making at home? Drop a comment—we’re all figuring this out together.