For centuries, humans have processed foods in one form or another — from grinding grains to canning fruits. But the late 19th century marked a dramatic shift when companies began creating foods unlike anything found in home kitchens. Products such as Coca-Cola, Jell-O, Crisco, Spam, and Oreos ushered in an era of convenience and innovation that would reshape how Americans eat.

Work Begins to Create a Garden on the St Philomena Campus

At the Santé Foundation, we believe food choices play a profound role in shaping both physical and mental health. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal documented a striking family experiment: eliminating ultra-processed foods (UPFs) for a full month. The results offer important insights for anyone considering dietary changes.

A recent nationally representative survey, commissioned by The Rockefeller Foundation and conducted by Hattaway Communications, polled 2,271 Americans across all 50 states between February 28 and March 11, 2025.