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Twinkies in Trouble: Hostess Filing for Bankruptcy

January 10, 2012 RSS Feed Print

In a move that will undoubtedly be celebrated by health-food enthusiasts everywhere, Hostess, Inc.—producers of American favorites like Twinkies, CupCakes, Ding Dongs, Mini Muffins and a host of other sweet treats—is reportedly preparing to file for Chapter 11 protection. The privately-owned, Texas-based company currently holds the equivalent of 1.4-billion Twinkies ($860 million) in debt, and has struggled since emerging from bankruptcy in 2009.

High labor prices and growing costs for sugar and other key ingredients precipitated Hostess' dire financial situation, but could another force be at play in the decline of junk food sales—Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" program?

[Not So Sweet: Twinkies Maker Hostess Preparing for Bankruptcy Again.]

The program's website isn't coy about its anti-snack food message, encouraging people "to eat fewer calories, be more physically active, and make wiser food choices." That message is reportedly causing pain for Hostess's 19,000 employees and countless fans across the world since fewer parents are tossing Ho Hos in their kids' lunch boxes.

Mrs. Obama has frequently spoken out against the way marketing for sweets targets children. When her husband took office, one of her first major projects was to try to ban snack food vending machines in public schools—many of which likely sport Twinkies and Dong Dongs.

As Hostess reels, Obama's crusade against fattening foods appears to be bearing fruit (despite being accused of some grassy-bag hypocrisy.)

There is some reassuring news for those worried about the disappearance of their favorite food snacks, and reports say that there is no need to rush to your local grocery store to snag the last box of Ho Hos. The Wall Street Journal reports that Hostess has lined up $75 million in financing to keep production going while the company settles its problems in court.

The Twinkies, which rumor has it last 100 years in their packaging, are safe ... for now.

Tags:
Michelle Obama,
politics,
food and drink

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Blaming Hostess going out of business on Michelle Obama has got to be the dumbest and most amoral comment I've ever heard.

So what you're saying is....We should strive to keep Tobacco companies targeting children because it'll keep people working in the tobacco industry employed.

Gee and people don't think that obesity in children is a problem???

MikeS of NH 11:03AM November 16, 2012

STEVCHIPMUNK,

You bet your rear-end people are being taken to task over their bigoted and ignorant comments. Frankly, sir, you belong at the head of the line for your phony indignation. Like most of the ignorant comments posted on here (and other comment sections through out the internet) camouflaged by a false name, your posting cannot conceal your deep seeded contempt for the First Lady (and presumably for the President) based on bigotry. My posting was about attitudes regarding the First Lady are SPOT ON, but your racial attitudes have blinded you to it- just as it has the other supposed "upstanding" citizens.

There is absolutely NOTHING objectionable about the First Lady promoting health lifestyle habits by encouraging children to eat healthier and exercise. Many First Ladies have initiated similar programs seeking the promotion of healthy habits, but ONLY NOW is the First Lady supposedly "imposing her values" on children. HER VALUES? If her valued include promoting healthy habits in children, then who, might I ask, would EVER object to their children embracing those values?

Those "values" are ones everyone should be able to embrace. Of course, ignorant and bigoted people who choose to see the color of her skin instead of the inherent quality of the health promoting initiative cannot accept a message from an African American woman they normally would totally embrace. I am guessing if Sarah Palin were to propose same ideas, which she has done, you would either commend her or say nothing at all.

Alas, STEVCHIPMUNK, have no fear, you are not alone in your stupidity. "mrs obama does not represent the united states.........i do...........thank you....", proudly boasts DAVID HUMPHREY.

Let's be clear about this: an intelligent woman promoting the idea of children eating healthy and getting more exercise DOES NOT represent the United States, but a person rejecting those admirable qualities because they are blinded by hate and bigotry does? After reading most of these comments, perhaps David Humphrey does represent America's attitudes, just not in the way he's thinks he does.

DISGRACEFUL.

Bryan Roy of GA 4:45PM January 11, 2012

I wonder who this publication is endorsing for President.

ROBERT TAYLOR of NC 9:07AM January 11, 2012

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A longtime chief White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, Kenneth T. Walsh has covered five presidents beginning with Ronald Reagan. Along with other U.S. News writers, he continues to provide insight into the White House of Barack Obama and the world of presidential campaigns.

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