Interesting Facts about US Consumption

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I am not sure that I buy that rhetoric. I hear the stories on the news too. They can't afford to buy veggies, the only thing they can afford to eat is Mcdonalds... I disagree. They eat Mac and cheese because they want to. They eat Mcdonalds because they have money to blow and love big macs.

Growing up we never went to macdonalds - way to expensive. What is cheap to buy is veggies. Aldi's very often has canned green beans and peas 4 or 5 for a buck. It's all about choices - if some poor people make poor choices - that's cool it's a free country. The answer isn't limiting choice or blaming others for their stupidity.

Although I understand what you are saying to a degree, I am not comparing McDonalds to canned veggies. I am comparing fresh veggies and fruit and nutritious foods with the stuff that people grab off the shelf that is full of MSG, aspartame and trans fats.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by ILG

Although I understand what you are saying to a degree, I am not comparing McDonalds to canned veggies. I am comparing fresh veggies and fruit and nutritious foods with the stuff that people grab off the shelf that is full of MSG, aspartame and trans fats.

I'm thinking Food, Inc here

Good point

[Azzan]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I am not sure that I buy that rhetoric. I hear the stories on the news too. They can't afford to buy veggies, the only thing they can afford to eat is Mcdonalds... I disagree. They eat Mac and cheese because they want to. They eat Mcdonalds because they have money to blow and love big macs.

Growing up we never went to macdonalds - way to expensive. What is cheap to buy is veggies. Aldi's very often has canned green beans and peas 4 or 5 for a buck. It's all about choices - if some poor people make poor choices - that's cool it's a free country. The answer isn't limiting choice or blaming others for their stupidity.

I agree with you. I'd also add that I think the convenience factor plays a big factor in what Americans eat. It's much easier to run through a drive-through than it is to cook a meal at home.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Azzan

I agree with you. I'd also add that I think the convenience factor plays a big factor in what Americans eat. It's much easier to run through a drive-through than it is to cook a meal at home.

Indeed. Can't miss the show! The primary issue with Americans is that we have too much discretionary income (and food stamps) and too little common sense.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I am not sure that I buy that rhetoric. I hear the stories on the news too. They can't afford to buy veggies, the only thing they can afford to eat is Mcdonalds... I disagree. They eat Mac and cheese because they want to. They eat Mcdonalds because they have money to blow and love big macs.

Growing up we never went to macdonalds - way to expensive. What is cheap to buy is veggies. Aldi's very often has canned green beans and peas 4 or 5 for a buck. It's all about choices - if some poor people make poor choices - that's cool it's a free country. The answer isn't limiting choice or blaming others for their stupidity.

Most fast food places including McDonald's have value meals now. And did always have the little burger for less than $1. Even if you grow your own food, it's still expensive to supplement. Animal feed is not inexpensive either. By the time you raise an animal to slaughter you are spending a lot of money.
You can buy mac n cheese for 4 or 5 for $1 sometimes, you stock up. Appalachia is a place to think of hungry people in America. How do they survive there?

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Cindy

Most fast food places including McDonald's have value meals now. And did always have the little burger for less than $1. Even if you grow your own food, it's still expensive to supplement. Animal feed is not inexpensive either. By the time you raise an animal to slaughter you are spending a lot of money.
You can buy mac n cheese for 4 or 5 for $1 sometimes, you stock up. Appalachia is a place to think of hungry people in America. How do they survive there?

The "value meals" are quite expensive - 4 or 5 $ per meal. When we go to MD we usually get a dollar sandwich and an ice water for 9 cents, yet it seems those who go there a lot often buy the "deals". This could easily cost a family $600 a month or more... bad choice if they are on a tight budget.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I am not sure that I buy that rhetoric. I hear the stories on the news too. They can't afford to buy veggies, the only thing they can afford to eat is Mcdonalds... I disagree. They eat Mac and cheese because they want to. They eat Mcdonalds because they have money to blow and love big macs.

Growing up we never went to macdonalds - way to expensive. What is cheap to buy is veggies. Aldi's very often has canned green beans and peas 4 or 5 for a buck. It's all about choices - if some poor people make poor choices - that's cool it's a free country. The answer isn't limiting choice or blaming others for their stupidity.

Not true.

You're not informed on this topic even remotely if you are suggesting to me that unhealthy food cost less than healthy food.

The average poverty-line home has two workers as well -- which also means lack of time and energy for nutritious meals. Sure, choice is one of those things, but last I checked all the healthy food stores that don't have nasty corn syrup as their top ingredient are also the most posh and expensive of stores. And farmer's markets aren't any cheaper (though I frequent them and encourage them because the more of us that pay the extra money to make better choices, the cheaper the supplies will be).

Poor people have poor people food options. No grand conspiracy in that. Agreeing with that position doesn't mean we are going to raise your taxes or require you to sign-up as a political liberal.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Not true.

You're not informed on this topic even remotely if you are suggesting to me that unhealthy food cost less than healthy food.

The average poverty-line home has two workers as well -- which also means lack of time and energy for nutritious meals. Sure, choice is one of those things, but last I checked all the healthy food stores that don't have nasty corn syrup as their top ingredient are also the most posh and expensive of stores. And farmer's markets aren't any cheaper (though I frequent them and encourage them because the more of us that pay the extra money to make better choices, the cheaper the supplies will be).

Poor people have poor people food options. No grand conspiracy in that. Agreeing with that position doesn't mean we are going to raise your taxes or require you to sign-up as a political liberal.

Nope I was not comparing health food stores and fast food. I know I can't afford to buy groceries at health food stores, and I am nowhere near the poverty level.

[Azzan]

Originally Posted by sandie

Please tell us you are underweight, are living in an earth friendly tent, rub two sticks together to get a little heat now and then, only sip on water, never, ever go near a vehicle of any sort....etc., etc., etc..

Why the personal attack?

[sandie]

Originally Posted by Azzan

Why the personal attack?

Excuse me....he/she calls others "greedy"...now that's a personal attack.

When we point out the faults of others, I would hope the person doing that isn't guilty of those faults.