world weekly diet comparison

This was sent to me in an email from the Slow Food Miami group.  The first posting had problems, but I think I have it cleared up now...  As with the internet and email, sources are not always obvious at first, but I have all intention of stating them.  This comparative is from "The Hungry Planet" by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio.  There is a complete list on this blog showing more families (including 2 more American households and countries like Japan and China and India) and an interactive map.

This is a photo listing of families from different countries and the amount (and types) of food they consume in an average week.  Very interesting to say the least, although I don't know many American families that live on a total processed and snack food diet like the represented American family below (I could have spent that $341.98 much more wisely).  What's also very interesting is (not just the type of foods, but) the translated US dollar amount spent for the amount of food bought.  There are some incredible deals going on in Bhutan and Chad.

Sicily, Italy:  The Manzano Family

214.36 Euros ($260.11 USD)

Bargeteheide, Germany:  The Melander Family

375.39 Euros ($500.07 USD)

North Carolina, United States of America:  The Revis Family

$341.98 USD

Cuernavaca, Mexico:  The Casales Family

1862.78 Pesos ($189.09 USD)

Konstancin-Jeziorna, Poland:  The Sobczynscy Family

582.48 Zlotys ($151.27 USD)

Cairo, Egypt:  The Ahmed Family

387.85 Egyptian Pounds ($68.53 USD)

Tingo, Ecuador:  The Ayme Family

$31.55 USD

Shingkhey Village, Bhutan:  The Namgay Family

224.93 ngultrum ($5.03 USD)

Breidjing Camp, Chad:  The Aboubakar Family

685 CFA Francs ($1.23 USD)

Thanks to Peter Rabbino of Slow Food Miami for forwarding these pictures.  Count your blessings and change your perspective.

Comments

[Chris]

Wonderful article, thanks. I'm just depressed that I'm just coming across all these South Florida "slow food" resources right before I'm set to move to the West Coast!

[Roberto N.]

It's a bit shameful to see how much coke we Mexicans drink...

[Jodi]

It's shocking how much packaged foods we consume in the States compared with the rest of the world. Convenience foods that have more additives than food in many cases are mainstays in our regular diets. I wonder how much less/more do families spend in the US who buy fresh produce, meats and cheeses and dried beans and grains.

[KN]

Great info, but it comes from a book titled, "The Hungry Planet". I don't know the authors off the top of my head, but I'd suggest you give credit where credit is due. Love your site! Keep it coming...

[steamy kitchen]

i feel so wasteful, esp when it comes to paper & packaging. We're good about not letting food go to waste, but it just kills me that the package that the oatmeal came in - costs more than the oat itself.