In an increasingly globalized world, it’s still sometimes shocking to see just how disparate our lives are compared with other human beings around the world. A book of photographs by Peter Menzel called “Hungry Planet: What the World Eats” (“©Peter Menzel http://www.menzelphoto.com. Ten Speed Press, published in 2005) makes a relevant point with great irony: at a time when hundreds of millions of people don’t have enough to eat, hundreds of millions more are eating too much and are overweight or obese. It is these cultural differences, emphasized and reinforced by the author, which exemplifies the lifestyles and dietary habits of people around the world. In the United States, processed foods are par for course. In the Philippines, fresh fruit and vegetables play a far more significant role. In the harsh Chad sun, a family of six exists on a measly $1.23 per week.
Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07
Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09. Note the profusion of fruits & vegetables.
Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53
Food expenditure for one week: $31.55
Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03. This feeds a family of 11. Remarkable.
Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23. No comment.
Food expenditure for one week: 63.63 dinar or $221.45. Most foodstuffs in this State are subsidized.
Food expenditure for one week: 41,985.85 togrogs or $40.06
Food expenditure for one week: 1,233.76 Yuan or $175
Food expenditure for one week: 37,699 Yen or $317.25
Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27