Brittney Miller
Professor Thomas
Composition 102
17 March 2013
Title
There is no doubt that millions of people are struggling in America due to the high prices in the grocery stores and even in fast food restaurants. The main victims who are affected by the rise in prices are the low-income families. An article written by the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter states that the price of a loaf of white bread has risen nearly 25 cents, red delicious apples are up 20 cents a pound, from 96 cents to $1.16, and eggs have jumped from around $1.45 to $2.18. The rise in prices makes low-income families struggle to feed their families healthy foods. Because of this it leads them to buying unhealthy foods for their families. Adam Drewnowski, who is with the Center for Public Health Nutrition and the Nutritional Sciences Program, states that the low price of energy-dense food encourages low-income Americans to consume an unhealthy diet. Because of the low prices of unhealthy foods it increased the obesity rate in America, but not only did the obesity rate go up so did other medical problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. An article by Tammy Esteves states that According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one third of adults in the United States were obese in 2009-2010. The high prices in healthy foods are a terrible problem because it affects the entire community, but especially the low-income families, the suppliers, and even schools. As the prices continue to rise each year due to the struggling economy, communities need to raise awareness and provide information about ways to buy non-expensive healthy foods for their families.
What is the real price of healthy foods?
There have been many arguments on whether healthy foods cost more or less than unhealthy foods. An article by Elisa Zied, an msnbc contributor, states that new government report finds that nutritious foods – such as grains, vegetables, fruit and dairy – typically cost less than items high in saturated fat and added sugars. In her article she explains that it’s all on how you look at it, for an example if you look at the price of edible weight or price per portion to determine costs then the cost of healthy foods such as oat cereal, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat milk, are more affordable than most protein foods. On the other hand, if you measure it price per calorie than many healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables cost more than less healthy foods. But it all boils down to the grocery bill. In today’s world, nobody takes the time and measure the weight and compare it to the price we all look at the price and ask our self “Am I really getting my money’s worth?” Americans today always look for the better bargain.
Because of wanting to get more for our money, Americans, especially the low-income families tend to have a poor eating habit which leads to obesity. Obesity rates in the United States have risen sharply over the past 2 decades. In the article, Poverty and obesity by Adam Drewnowski, he states that the highest rates of obesity occur among population groups with the highest poverty rates. How can this be? Many low-income families tend to buy fatty foods because they typically cost less. They also buy fatty foods because they know that buying these foods will satisfy them and healthy foods do not. A study by Lillian Mwanri, on the Food supply and the obesity scourge, states that it is clear that price has an influence on food purchasing decisions and dependence on less nutritious but more economical and socially acceptable foods; contributes to disproportionate rates of obesity among groups with limited economic means. Speaking of limited economic means, transportation in the low-income areas also has a big impact on the obesity epidemic. In the article Does availability of physical activity and food outlets differ by race and income? The author Jennie Hill, states that a poorer food environment, such as higher concentration of fast food restaurants and a limited selection of fresh produce in grocery stores and markets in low income areas tend to lead to obesity. This is a huge problem because low-income households are forced to select foods, with higher proportions of grains, added sugars and fats. Having smaller grocery stores make it easier for people without cars, but the stores do not provide enough healthy foods, which then leads to obesity.
