This Mark Bittman article, published in September keeps coming across my email. I like the approach of logic and solution-based tone. It's definitely worth reading.
Is Junk Food Really Cheaper? By Mark Bittman
THE “fact” that junk food is cheaper than real food has become a reflexive part of how we explain why so many Americans are overweight, particularly those with lower incomes. I frequently read confident statements like, “when a bag of chips is cheaper than a head of broccoli ...” or “it’s more affordable to feed a family of four at McDonald’s than to cook a healthy meal for them at home.”
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Comments
ChristineMetz (Christine Metz) says…
Interesting read Lily. Thanks for posting.
And the article didn't even include the long term cost benefits of eating healthy in terms of health problems.
guppypunkhead (anonymous) says…
No way junk food is cheaper! This week I bought 3# of sweet potatoes for $0.75 at Aldi. The real question is... is sweet potato pie healthy? :) http://frugaltownie.blogspot.com/2011...
bethlang1998 (anonymous) says…
Here's the thing: I can fix macaroni and cheese with tuna and feed 2-4 people for about 80-cents, or I can fix one of those complete meals in a box for about $3, or I can fix a truly healthy chicken and vegetable dinner as in the Times article for about $10. Considering I also have to buy food for breakfasts and lunches on a super-tight budget, guess which option I'm most likely not to choose.
Yes, I can cook cheaper at home than eating out, but that doesn't mean it's any healthier.
LilySiebert (Lily Siebert) says…
Bethlang, I guess it would have to highly depend on where you are eating out. Overly and unnecessarily processed food is definitely not the best choice, regardless if it is at-home or at-restaurant. Although, I would say that at-home would could be a gateway to more healthful, nutritious options. It would be difficult for anyone to go from an "all fast food" diet to a "from scratch" diet. Taking baby steps and learning how to incorporate more fresh food on a daily basis is certainly challenging, but, I think, well worth it.
One of my favorite messages from the article is "the smart campaign is not to get McDonald’s to serve better food but to get people to see cooking as a joy rather than a burden, or at least as part of a normal life."