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.