A Summary of “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?”
In Mark Bittman’s article, “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?” he states that contrary to what many people believe, it is a common misconception that junk food is cheaper than real food. He goes on to compare the high cost of feeding a family of four at McDonald’s to that of a home cooked, nutritious meal that costs substantially less. Bittman addresses the argument that the cost for junk food is cheaper when measured by calories, but states that they are not “healthy” calories, and may contribute to many Americans being overweight. In a supermarket comparison, he found that “in almost every case, foods cooked at home were a far superior alternative” to junk food (par. 6). Bittman opines that the real problem is people see cooking as work, therefore it is a more convenient option to go for something that has already been prepared than it is to go home after working all day and cook a meal. He further claims that there is an addiction to processed food, and in order to change the way people view junk food, we must begin by making changes. Bittman believes that by making cultural changes, “raising our children in homes that don’t program for fast-produced, eaten-on-the-run, high-calorie, low-nutrition junk” (par. 22) as well as political changes such as “limiting the marketing of junk” and “making certain that real food is affordable and available to everyone” we can educate our children that “the real way is the better way”. (par. 23)
As a mother of four, I can attest to the fact that a home cooked meal or any meal prepared at home is a much more cost efficient way to feed your family. I look at junk food/fast food as a treat, not a substitute for healthy meals. I am guilty myself of being tempted to run through the drive through after a long day, however I try not to give in too often. My children are not toddlers, so I