March 4, 2008 
I typically delete almost all e-mails that I get at home with attachments (based on general paranoia about viruses). But, my cousin sent me one about global eating habits which is basically a photo essay with a few “statistics”. Of course, it has no source so I post it as believable and good for dialog, but don’t bet the farm on it. But, given the rising food prices globally, this may be a more front page issue soon.
My two big takeaways were:
- Our eating habits reflect our obesity issue.
- Wow. A little money can make a big difference in the fight against poverty.
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 – 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
Enabling Healthy Decisions 
Great pics that really make an impact re: eating habits, poverty and waste.
One thing to notice is that even though the NC family is not obese, there are only three tomatoes and a bunch of grapes – where are the vegetables? Fast food wrappers, pizza, packaged goods – this is not a healthy lifestyle and just think of all the trash that is generated in the US from just one week in the average household. Another notice: Coca-cola products are in three of the country pics as well!
It is amazing to think of how little food a family can sustain itself versus the mass consumption and waste found in the Western World.