Today . . . I am thinking about an email that Pam Peyron over at Rural Entrepreneurs sent me. In it were nine snapshot photos of smiling families from around the world as back drop to the amount and kinds of foods they eat in one week.
With each picture was the country, name of the family, and how much each family spent each week on food. At the top of the list was Germany, followed by the US and Italy. The bottom two were Bhutan and Chad.
Scroll down to see where the Mexico, Poland, Egypt and Ecuador ranked.
Also, take note of the size of each family and diet of each country. In this case, a picture does paint a thousand words.
Then weigh in with your thoughts!
Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide
Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07 USD
United States: The Revis family of North Carolina
Food expenditure for one week $341.98 USD
Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily
Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11 USD
Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca
Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09 USD
Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna
Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27 USD
Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo
Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53 USD
Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo
Food expenditure for one week: $31.55 USD
Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village
Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03 USD
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp
Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23 USD
Interesting, huh?
Were you surprised by anything?
Share your thoughts . . .
Actually, I was surprised by how gorgeous all of these people are and how happy most of them look.
I did notice that the people with the least food looked the least happy, but maybe that's because they're in some sort of camp. Refugee camp?
The sullen German teen was funny.
The only overweight people was the Mexican boy- the family needs to get ride of all that Coca Cola.
And, I love the Ecuadorian family's hats!
Posted by: Stamford Talk | February 20, 2008 at 04:28 AM
You know Stamford Talk, I wondered about that, too. I thought, perhaps, that these photos might be a part of a larger collection taken from a world food database.
What surprised me the most was how much the Mexican family spent on food per week. I thought it would have been less.
Posted by: The Original Accidental Pren-her | February 20, 2008 at 03:05 PM
To me, it looks like there's an inverse relationship between abundance and happiness. I have the cure - how 'bout all the families who waste their money on coke and frosted flakes give that money to the families who can't afford coke and frosted flakes. In return, those families teach us how good whole foods taste, and everyone benefits!
Posted by: Dana at Nine Tomatoes - Energy Drawings | February 20, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Yes, it was interesting to note that in more developed countries there was much more junk food and sugary drink being consumed.
Posted by: The Original Accidental Pren-her | February 20, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Everyone did look happy, although the last family may not have been smiling as some cultures take having their pictures taken as a very solemn occasion, I was amazed at how much packaged food most families consume but I also noticed most families didn't have any meat shown, were all these families vegetarian? It also makes me wonder what my family picture would look like. We don't buy a lot of packaged goods, although my hubby does love his pop and beer. Thanks for the food for thought.
Posted by: groovyholly | February 20, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Each country certainly has their food specialty, don't they? What really impresses me is how adaptive the human body is!
Posted by: The Original Accidental Pren-her | February 20, 2008 at 07:27 PM
This is an amazing set of photos! There is no clear causal relationship, but key factors appear to be climate, culture and wealth. It inspires me to eat better. As we have more options here than most countries, it is possible to easily increase fresh fruits and veggies and decrease processed foods. Based on the pictures, I'd like to move to Mexico or Egypt.
Thank you Susan! This reminds me to be thankful for my options and to be mindful of how others live.
Posted by: Angela | February 20, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Actually I think I read recently that the Mexican economy is very, very strong. I think there are probably quite a few families who live a very comfortable life... with all of the junk food that accompanies it!
Posted by: Stamford Talk | February 21, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Agreed Angie, we in the US have options readily available to us. Especially the abundant choice of fresh veggies and fruit. Yet, so many of us opt for processed, packaged foods.
Based on the pics, I'd move to Egypt!
Posted by: The Original Accidental Pren-her | February 21, 2008 at 06:36 AM
I wonder why junk food seems to accompany cultures with wealth?
Posted by: The Original Accidental Pren-her | February 21, 2008 at 06:42 AM