Food is a clear representation of the economic extremes in the U.S. today. Food insecure families eat high carb, sodium rich fatty foods that are cheap and fill them up quickly while the wealthiest families in America eat berries all year long from grocery stores like Whole Foods and high-end local markets. What people eat for lunch, what their favorite foods are, and what they consider a “treat” is a definitive statement of social status, socioeconomic class, and even culture and heritage.  Furthermore, how women and men talk about food varies by gender privilege. Some people discuss food in relation to meal-prepping and household chores while others discuss food in relation to eating out and personal preferences. Food also comments on diet, fitness, health, and wellness. The choices we make to eat healthy are not always because we want to support Simple Mills crackers or give our bodies nutrient rich foods. Sometimes, we choose an apple over a cupcake because of societal pressures and internal pressures to be petite and feminine. Though there is an incredible spectrum of food privilege and pressure on American’s today, the greatest issue we face is universal access to healthy foods.

In 2019, the food a person consumes is not only a representation of their palette, but a representation of their socioeconomic status. Some diets consist of high carb, sodium rich, fatty foods, while other diets consist of organic fruits and vegetables. Diet trends are becoming more and more prevalent in recent years, spanning from veganism to gluten-free diets. Unfortunately, not all families have the luxury of living by any diet they choose. The freshest and most nutrient-dense foods have essentially become luxury goods – products that only a small fraction of the population can afford. Alternatively, food insecure families (those who are forced to live by the high carb, sodium rich and fat-heavy diets mentioned above) are limited by their income, and have no choice but to eat what they can afford and what will keep them filled. Even the percentage of the American population living on food stamps has skyrocketed in the last three years by nearly 60% (NewsWeek).

Veganism, vegetarianism and eating organically have become a massive trend in terms of sustainability and physical health, but is it always successful? When committing for physical health, there is endless research proving the increased heart health and reduced cholesterol levels when eliminating animal products from one’s diet. Sustainability, on the other hand, is less cut and dry. The idea of sustainability behind these food trends is simple: less meat consumed, less cattle bred, carbon footprint reduced. That said, veganism and eating organically has become so trendy that, for those who can afford it, the natural and organic products being consumed are often sourced from other states or even across countries, nearly eliminating the concept of carbon footprint reduction. When committing to veganism, if the intent is to reduce carbon footprint and better the environment, it is imperative that one takes into account where their foods are coming from. This is where the trend of eating locally and “farm to table” come in. Again, this is simple. If a person is eating fruits and vegetables straight from the garden next door, there are no trucks, plains or trains transporting these goods. Reduced fuel emissions, reduced carbon footprint. Again, though, these tend to be options that are only available to those who can afford it.

All in all, healthy-living and diet trends are an important effort that can help curb the obesity epidemic and improve the earth’s environmental health, but they need to be made available to those who are most heavily affected by the obesity epidemic – those who aren’t able to AFFORD these health foods. If we don’t make healthy food accessible to all American citizens, the world will keep spinning with the 1% flaunting their $12 green juices and vitality shots, while the other 99% spends their limited income on putting a roof over their heads. With $15 a family of four will never go to bed with bellies full of healthy, locally sourced fruits and veggies. In order for the masses to make a positive impact on their own physical well being as well as that of the planet, moves must be made to give access to health foods to all socioeconomic classes.

Are you interested in engaging further?

Comment below about what your diet says about you and how you would change it if you could upon reflection.

For further reading on the impact of our diets see the articles and sources below:

https://mercyforanimals.org/straws-arent-the-real-problem-fishing-nets

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/24/technology/whole-foods-amazon-lower-prices-prime.html

https://www.newsweek.com/what-food-says-about-class-america-69951

https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-connection-between-food-culture-society.html

https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2018/09/18/what-eating-meat-says-about-your-social-class