Why America has a problem with obesity.

I read an article today that came as no surprise. I meant to blog about this a week ago, before I ever read the article. In fact, I promised somewhere on these blogs that I would discuss this very topic, but it kept slipping my mind.

Last week when I stocked up on fruits and veggies, our grocery bill was one of the highest ever. It's no wonder. Fruit and veggies are expensive. And I live in the midwest, so I can't imagine what it must be like on the coasts.

I spent almost double what I normally spend on groceries. The fact is, it's cheaper to eat something that came out of a box than to eat fresh foods. As the article says, the poor are less likely to have access to refrigerators and cooking equipment. But a canopener is easy, cheap, and accessible.

For one two dollars, I can buy enough frozen pizza to feed my family. For the same amount, I can buy eight ears of corn. Eight ears of corn will NOT feed my family. For under $4, I can get a frozen kit that makes fajitas and includes everything but the meat, which is an additional $1.50-$2. But if I get it separately, it's much more. I spend a dollar on the seasoning, the same on meat, a dollar on an onion, a dollar on several bell peppers, and $2 on tortillas. If I get whole grain tortillas or low fat meat, it's more.

I once heard a figure that I believe to be accurate. 5% of the US is made up of farmers, and they can produce enough food for 95% of the world's needs.

So I have to ask, what's wrong with this picture?