Laura's posts's (this one and this one) on Pinot and Prose inspired me to look up an old email I had saved. Note! This was an email I receive some time ago. This was undoubtedly one of the most interesting e-mails I've ever received. Take a good look at the family size diet of each country. Notice the availability and cost of what is eaten in one week.
Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily
Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11
Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide
Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07
United States: The Revis family of North Carolina (I sure hope most American families eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less junk food than this family!!)
Food expenditure for one week $341.98
Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca
Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09
Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna
Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27
Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo
Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53
Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo
Food expenditure for one week: $31.55
Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village
Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp
Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23
Don't know about you, but right about now, I'm counting my blessings! It really is an eye opener for me!
I personally cannot believe that this is how MOST American's eat. Though I fear many may eat this poorly. I for one, know many families who eat a lot of vegetables and very little junk and I even know a few people who eat only at 5 star restaurants all the time. When they don't have time for that, it is a salad, fruit or power bar!
I did not know the origin of these photos prior to writing this post but did a quick Google and came up with this Times article. So it appears it is true and real people. They come from a book called "Hungry Planet" by Peter Menzel. All the photography is his. Please view more at his site here: http://www.menzelphoto.com/books/hp.html
I am still a little bit new about this whole blogging thing and unsure of the blurry lines with copyrights. If you know more and if I am in violation of copyright, please let me know and I will remove the images from this post and instead just provide the information and links. Thank You!!!
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7 comments:
That is facinating... and humbling. I spent $150 on groceries yesterday, just for me and my husband. Half of it was stocking the freezer for upcoming weeks, but I'm lucky to be able to do that. What an interesting post!
Such a fascinating post! My mom and I were just talking about the affordability of food and I think this does a great job not only of showing that Americans are quite privileged, but also that food can cost a lot less when you're buying whole foods and cooking for yourself rather than buying prepared foods and junk foods. I will definitely have to look up that book!
Yes. Americans really do spend a lot. I probably go to the store twice a week and spend between $70 and $130 each time! There are 4 of us but still! My kids suck down milk and bread like it is going out of style. And I am a foodie too. Meats, cheese and GOOD vegetables are pricey.
its unreal isn't it? my my thats so shocking...although everything is relative and half my shopping trolley is taken up with stupid packaging that we don't need!
great post nicole!
Really interesting article. Hard to believe that some people spend 500 times more on food than others. Really shows what a great disparity there is in lifestyles from country to country. Agreed as well that there is too much junk food and not nearly enough fruits and vegetables in the American diet.
Hello Nicole,
definitely a humbling insight....it is interesting to see the more frugal including more live foods - fresh veggies & fruits in their staple.
we eat so much in this household ~ good thing I fast every so often, helps the grocery bill....lol
thanks for this post!
Yes, I know I buy much more food than is needed and we don't eat as many vegetables as we should. The packaging gets ridiculous here too!
The interesting thing is that this shows some of the poorer countries eating more vegetables and grains. In past history girth and food abundance and weight was a sign of wealth and prosperity. In the US now it seems like the wealthier people are sometimes the thinest. (more money for good protein, vegetables and personal trainers I guess). And the lower income areas have heavier people. But fast food is so much cheaper than even making a meal at home sometimes. Especially the way I cook.
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