Conventional wisdom says that poor people eat fast food because it is cheaper. Let’s look at that a little closer. A quarter pounder with cheese meal at McDonald’s is $5.79 for one person. If three people are eating, that is 17.37 for one meal. The picture above is a hearty soup that contains celery, carrots, onion, one potato and chicken. I made it myself yesterday in a big pot. I used a bit of olive oil and Italian seasoning to cook the vegetables before I added the other ingredients. I bought everything at Walmart. Here is an estimate of the cost of this healthy meal.
Celery $.32
Onion $.50
Carrots $.50
Potato $ .53
Chicken (whole) $6.00
The entire potful of food cost about $7.85. Even for hearty eaters, think there would be about 6 meals in this pot. The base for this soup is an Italian sofrito. Sofrito combines chopped carrots, onions, and celery sauteed in olive oil with seasonings. These vegetables keep well in the refrigerator. Sofrito can be the base for many different dishes. This is good, tasty food that sticks to the ribs. It is inexpensive and very easy to prepare. A poor diet leads to diabetes and diabetic complications. This is a great way to increase vegetable consumption and lower the toll of chronic disease in disadvantaged people. This dish is an example of the Mediterranean diet and may be the best to keep us healthy longer. Disadvantaged people often know what they shouldn’t eat. Let’s help them understand practical ways to healthier eating and a longer life.
This is true for anyone, rich or poor. Thanks, Bill!
Great comparison of food costs, seems connivence can out do proper thinking sometimes. I will add another thought to the situation. All the good vegetables used in the soup with a little effort can be grown in the home garden, amazing how much can be produced in a raised bed and the cheaper cost does not do justice to the difference in flavor and satisfaction one gets from growing your own. Definitely burn more calories growing your own groceries than picking them up from the store.