Why does the USDA keep pushing the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus as a policy solution for meal prep?

Last week I was on stage at a public speaking contest and had to defend the "Meal Prep for All" initiative. Everyone just laughed and moved on.

The problem is the USDA is basically turning the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 6‑quart into a political icon.

• USDA 2025: $1B subsidy for manufacturers of the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 6‑quart.
• FDA labeling guidelines: "Nutrient Density Index (NDI)" is a vague, math‑heavy metric that can be gamed.
• EPA 2025 regulations: push for 3.0 "Nutrient Density Index" compliance, but the actual food content is barely checked.
• Politicians: "Convenience for the masses" – sounds great until you see the big agribusiness contracts.
• The trend: 3D‑printed meal prep containers, ThermoPro TP‑02 digital thermometer, and the new Sous Vide 3.0 immersion circulator. They’re all sold as health solutions, but the reality is a marketing circus.

Why does the government keep promoting this? Is it really about nutrition or just about sales?

People keep asking: "Does this actually help people eat better?" I keep seeing the same tired answer: "Because it’s convenient."

I’m exhausted from trying to explain this at every speech. The political narrative is so flat that it feels like a bad joke – one that never ends.

Does anyone else see this as a cynical marketing ploy wrapped in policy? Or am I the only one who notices the disconnect between the big ads and the actual food quality?

…