NEW YORK, NY, USA, September 24, 2011 (nytimes.com): The American obesity epidemic is often “explained” by saying that junk food is cheaper than a healthy, home-cooked meal. But despite extensive government subsidies, hyperprocessed food remains more expensive than food cooked at home. Moreover, it’s unnecessarily high in calories, and most people in this country–especially the poor–already consume too many calories.
Even meat eaters can feed a family of four to six for about $14 with a roasted chicken, vegetables, a simple salad and milk. Just try feeding that family at McDonalds, or any other restaurant, for that price! Vegetarian meals, of course, can cost much less.
Unfortunately, cooking is defined as work; fast food is both a pleasure and a crutch. The ubiquity, convenience and habit-forming appeal of hyperprocessed foods have largely drowned out the alternatives. There are five fast-food restaurants for every supermarket in the United States, and fast-food companies spent an incredible $4.2 billion on marketing in 2009.
Furthermore, the engineering behind hyperprocessed food makes it virtually addictive.
For decades, the fast-food industry has been placing their products on every street corner, making it socially acceptable to eat anywhere and anytime, and training us to self-stimulation every 15 minutes. Real cultural changes are needed to turn this around. Somehow we must get people to see cooking as part of a normal life, ideally as a joy rather than a burden.
The full article at source includes suggestions for political action and provides links to further details.