Food Question # 2

In my quest for answers, I listened to a speech by Marion Nestle, NYU Professor and prolific author ( check out Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health (California Studies in Food and Culture)

I heard her speak on www.sic.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail3611.html , a podcast from Stamford to which I subscribe.

She believes that there is twice as much calories available to be eaten in America than what is needed. She stated that in 1980 there was 3200 calories available for consumption for every man woman and child in the US. Today that figure is 3900.

She oultined the the following societal changes that result in increasing obesity in the US

• portion sizes have gotten larger
  
• ubiquity of options / even book stores and libraries have restaurants and cafes
  
• proximity of food / more convenience
  
• frequency of consumption / restaurants and food companies encouraging continuous eating
  
• cheap prices / until recently 50% of money spent on food is spent on food cooked outside the home
  

Question: With soaring food prices will the tide be turned on obesity in the west.

Food Question # 1

Food is on people`s mind.

Here are three questions that have come recently about food.

If it is true that the world produces enough food to feed its population, why is it there is famine in places like Africa?

What Causes Poverty?

Asked by a fifth year medical student after a presentation about the work of HOPE a few days ago. How would you have responded?