Dr. Balagtas will explore the current landscape of what we eat and what that means for our health, with a particular focus on the growing scrutiny of ultra-processed foods and the impact of GLP-1 drugs. Simple economics, data, and lessons from the history of food and nutrition policy will be used to reflect on the promise and pitfalls of public policy aimed at improving consumer choices. This lecture is open to the public!

About the Speaker: Dr. Balagtas is Professor of Agricultural Economics and Director of the Center for Food Demand at Purdue University. His research program investigates the economics of agricultural and food markets, including public policy, industrial organization, and consumer behavior. He has been Senior Economist at the U.S. White House Council of Economic Advisers, Senior Fulbright Scholar at the International Rice Research Institute, and is currently co-Editor of the academic journal Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy.