4.04.2008

A Trip to the Grocery Store

We've become Costco lovers. Third kid was apparently the tipping point, because I just didn't "get it" before. Not a big fan of huge quantities in giant containers that go bad before we can use it. But now? Cheap diapers. Need I say more? But then, there's also...Free samples. The Food Court Chicken Bakes that I don't eat anymore. Fruit smoothies to keep the kids in line. We go as a family because going with the boys on my own is often more than I can get my head around and I hate spending hours of evening or Saturday time alone, grocery shopping. It's a (kinda) cheap family night activity. I guess.

But that's not the point here. My MIL sent an e-mail forward a couple weeks ago that I've thought about every time I've gone to Costco since. Especially since we are getting ready to take our living to a country that, while it has made great strides since I lived there ten years ago, definitely does not enjoy the same variety, economy, and flat luxury that we do...well, it's a lot of food for thought.

So, here's a week's worth of groceries, around the world. (And since I got it in an e-mail forward, sorry I can't give credit to the originator. If anyone knows an original link or has the time to search it out, I'd love to know about it!) Go ahead - count family members, take a look at what they eat...

Germany:
The Melander family of Bargteheide
Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07


United States:
The Revis family of North Carolina
Food expenditure for one week $341.98


Italy:
The Manzo family of Sicily
Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11


Mexico:
The Casales family of Cuernavaca
Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09


Poland:

The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna
Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27


Egypt:
The Ahmed family of Cairo
Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53


Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo
Food expenditure for one week: $31.55


Bhutan:
The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village
Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03


Chad:
The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp
Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23



I don't think we - who enjoy so much plenty - need to apologize. I'm just saying that we should maybe do what we'd like our kids to do:

Look at what you have instead of what you don't.

Stop thinking you need "more" all. the. time.

Say - and feel - "thank you."

Share.

8 comments:

Super Happy Girl said...

Very well said!
Thanks :)

Anonymous said...

I first saw this here but apparently it's from this book. I was also really struck by the pictures and have thought about them many times since, especially when loading my fridge with groceries or throwing out food that has gone bad.

Code Yellow Mom said...

Thanks, Camille!

S said...

Wow that is eye opening! Did you see all the CRAP USA eats. Give me veggie and fruit yum! Costco or Costcos as we call around here is truly a treat, but can add up FAST!

Susiewearsthepants said...

I can really relate to this post. Growing up in an extremely poor family, we NEVER had enough food. At any given time there were between 5-7 children plus my parents. Good job!

Aimee said...

I'd know these pictures anywhere...it was actually the first coffee table book I've read cover to cover and not just looked at the pictures. The book is "Hungry Planet: What the World Eats" by Peter Menzel. What is most shocking about developed contries like the U.S., England and Australia is the amount of prepackaged/prepared foods we consume, as well as fast foods. Here we are, educated masses with the finances to treat ourselves to the very best, yet we consistenty fill our bodies with junk. It's shocking how stupid we can be! Run to your nearest library and check it out, or it is available on Amazon for $16.47.

NOBODY said...

I just enlarged the pictures and stared at each for like 5 minutes each. So fascinating.
I want to eat like the Ecuadorian family.

Unknown said...

The Costco food court has been a favorite since my daughter was 1. It continues 8 years later and my son is now a huge fan as well.

Love it.