Mark Bittman on what's wrong with food in America

[@ChrisPollitt]

The way we treat the animals we eat and the way we treat our fellow humans who harvest the fruits and vegetables we eat are absolutely atrocious.

[@desp8161]

Chris Pollitt Most of the people who pick the fruits and vegetables are illegal immigrants who ought to be deported.

[@Perla-w2d]

4 years later your statement is valid

[@kyraw4369]

So since most of Americans "can eat healthy but just choose not too" , what do we do about the 40 million impoverished Americans? Ive been in and lived in these areas where their are 4 fast food restaurants within walking distance and only 1 distance grocery store, with no fresh meats section and a small fruits and vegetable section. However there is a ton of bread, chips, deserts and frozen dinners. Living in poverty often times means having to rely on public transportation, which can be expensive when the next nearest grocery store is 10 miles away. And say you do make it, the more food and the better the food drives up the overall cost of the store. So impoverished Americans are important to include in this conversation as they are a percentage of the population, who's needs are greatly ignored.

[@resetfakemail4685]

So... I lived in Berlin and tomatoes cost 1 euro per kilogram. In San Francisco the same tomatoes except genetically modified cost triple that. 3 dollars and up. Minimum wage in Berlin is 8.50. In San Fran is 12.25 dollars. So the min wage is barely double but food costs are more than triple. I would present the counter argument that America even manages to pay too much for its produce. Don't get me started on medical insurance

[@afocus]

San fran is in a class of its own. I dont believe it is a good representative of the usa

[@chriskitching2104]

_Everything_ is super expensive in SF. It's just an exceptional place - it's got the highest cost of living of almost anywhere in the world. Really isn't a representative example of the rest of the US.

[@Mbwunion]

Another factor is the grocery store's rent, which is way, way more expensive in San Francisco. It is more expensive not just in square meters, but also the fact that most grocery stores there tend to be larger than the grocery stores in Berlin.

[@renoF800S]

I just got back from a month in Europe and was so surprised that very delicious food was so much cheaper than in Canada. I think we might just be paying for all the additives in our food here.

[@Mega-P71]

I agree with your first commenter bc Cali wildly differs from other states with cost of living. We have $9 minimum wage and a tomato costs $1.80 in Ohio and the retail price in the US is $1.89. Still not great but it's not $3 like in Cali. Fun fact! California is the leader in tomato production so as to why they're expensive there I have no clue.

[@kevinkunkel2238]

This video really sends a strong message and I believe all Americans need to watch it. The fast pace cheap lifestyle that most Americans have become accustom to is very unhealthy. The amount of income Americans spend on food has been declining for years now. Most people would look at this and think it is a good thing, well when it comes to buying your food it is not. The way we raise our food is inhuman and just disgusting. We use antibiotics and other unnatural substances to raise our food, on an industrial level too. There are pictures everywhere of our so called farms that show just how nasty our food production is. I like how the video compares our food intake with how people didn't realize the smoking lead to cancer many years after the problem started. This is a very good analogy because this could very easily happen to us with our eating habits. It has already been proven that our new ways of producing food is bad, so why wait until we are 50 years to late when we can just fix it now. There are many places to buy organic food and the video even mentions some fast food establishments that are serving healthier foods. The options are there for people so we need to all act on this issue and fight back against our industrial way of "farming". Now I know people don't like spending money and the organic food is more expensive but you have to eat food to survive. The stuff most people eat now might not even be considered food in 50 years. There are a lot of countries that spend 20-50 percent of their income on food, where the U.S. is well under 6 percent. Why wait? We need to spread the message and do as much as we can to get out of our fast pace cheap lifestyle and change for the better.

[@HeatherSpoonheim]

+Kevin Kunkel You don't even have to go organic/bio/vegan/whatever - every choice you make counts. Good old fashioned oat meal (not in an envelope with sugar and flavouring, just a big bag of whole rolled oats) that you boil up for breakfast and eat with a sliced apple/banana and some milk - can have a big impact. Setting aside the time to prepare a healthy breakfast, taking the time to sit and eat (enjoy your coffee), can have a dramatic effect on your life. It is incredibly inexpensive, you will be far less likely to snack before lunch, it cuts into the profitability of processed breakfast foods and breakfast-'solutions'. The better you eat, the better you sleep, the easier it is to get up on time, the less stress you have at the start of each day.

[@David-un4cs]

I love conversations like this, it is so fascinating!

[@TheEpicagent411]

Jeez! With any time I've watched a Vox video, it always informs me in a way that inspires me! Hopefully the younger demographic will get hold of the general message channels like this convey, and we'll have designed a more intelligent future!

[@saucybackport]

Hopefully "someone somewhere will" subscribe to this channel and get high enough from dreams about the future to end this cult of ignorance...

[@BassGuitarGuy128]

This is off-topic, but Is that an old Apple II computer in the background?

[@jjsatterwhite]

This is a fantastic, mindful interview. Keep up the great work, Vox!

[@Godzillaaaaa11]

How is it not mentioned that the reason why a lot of people end up buying crap food is due to social determinants like rent, commute and etc

[@cbam4517]

Interviewer spoke more than the guest

[@amk4956]

I think Vox should attempt to interview someone like me that is in industrial grain production. Our side of the story is never talked about or what we actually do! How much of a fine scientific mix of biology, marketing, finance, and technology go into doing our role. I mean come on there's just under 2.5 million farmers in the USA and you can't find one to interview for our story. Why is our voice silenced?

[@Theomite]

Because Monsanto is watching every move you make.

[@dude8462]

Oh you wanna speak your mind? Tell me about why corn deserves government subsidies.

[@MarvRoberts]

Replace Iceberg Lettuce with Fresh Spinach/Baby Kale blend for sandwiches and salads. There's virtually no difference in the taste and you will get far more vitamins and minerals.

[@thelousysloth]

um nooooo, there is a difference in both taste and texture between iceberg lettuce and spinach or kale. I have relatives who get angry when I bring in kale or spinach for salads. I add iceberg (and like it myself since it is cooling and refreshing unlike spinach or kale) to make salads look and taste and feel better. My family still thinks it's weird to have kale or spinach in a salad and some will even pick them out, but others have since tried them and decided they aren't evil. They still want iceberg in their salads though : ) We have to take baby steps as they say.

[@MoonLiteNite]

I never understood Iceberg lettuce, it is like eating crunchy water... i go with romain lettuce

[@abcdefgold]

I do like spinach, but the texture is definitely different, it kind of crumples and becomes a little ball if it gets even a little wet - it's not really 'crunchy' like lettuce either

[@Mega-P71]

I HIGHLY doubt there is no difference in taste between those and ice burg lettuce . . But you're right and we should eat more of it. It's sad that people just refuse to eat greens

[@Backinblackbunny009]

Also healthy food takes FOREVER to make. I have all the kitchen aid tools for pasta and it STILL TAKES THREE HOURS TO MAKE PASTA. Just simple eggs and whole wheat semolina flour! Then afterwards you have to clean a huge mess in your kitchen! And after all that work, my kids will eat a few bites, say they're stuffed and run to the neighbor that lets their kids eat trash snacks all day. It's a constant battle against humanity's incessant desire for sugar!

[@jacquelinenicole1932]

beccabunny09 dude just use dried pasta and make the sauce and everything yourself??

[@nathanh3316]

Anyone else got suggested this video?

[@trailerparkninja6834]

We need more videos like this

[@hje7850]

This video relays a very strong message to Americans and all of us should watch this and further research our food. The fast paced cheap lifestyle of Americans is very unhealthy for our well being. The video mentions the continually lowering cost of food in the United States compared to other places in the world. That's great and all but what about the fact that Americans have higher obesity and diabetes rates than any where else in the world, obviously there is a correlation between this and our American food. The unhealthy, antibiotic and chemical filled food we eat is a lot cheaper than the wholesome healthy food. The fact that you can buy two boxes of mac and cheese for one bag of grapes is ridiculous. Or how you can buy liters upon liters of pop for the same price as a half gallon of almond milk. The amount of antibiotics, chemicals, and preservatives in our so called healthy food is disgusting. In places like Europe, their food expires and goes bad way before ours here in America. Would you rather consume food that is healthy and actually good for you or lasts longer in your refrigerator and is cheaper. I know when my family goes grocery shopping for the week our bill is three hundred plus dollars, but this is because we buy a lot of fruits, vegetables and we make all of our meals from scratch instead of buying boxed food and junk food. Not to mention the way they treat the animals that turn into our food. The mass production and cruelty of animals is awful and unhealthy for us to consume. If you haven't already I would suggest researching Tyson Chicken farms and see how you feel about eating your chicken nuggets after. Where's the FDA on that one? Or watch any episode of How It's Made and realize the process of your food production and what all goes into your food. America's are known for their poor food choice lifestyle and health. This video should be viewed by all and food choices should be altered to actually be healthy for us. It's a terrible trick by producers to name food "organic" and "green" and make you pay way more for it when you should just easily have the option to have the real good food at a better price.

[@dessa1353]

Maybe its just where im from... however, food costs here are crazy.. to be able to eat the way I should would take literally all the money I get in a month.. Even buying the unhealthy options put a strain on the pockets.

[@theprimalfuckhead526]

Eat less, steal, think instead of being hungry (I barely notice when I'm hungry sometimes because I do this)

[@dessa1353]

There are factors in my life that keep me from doing many of the things recommended. I was actually just wanting to point out that foods are expensive and that its more affordable to eat the unhealthy choices.

[@Backinblackbunny009]

Getting kids to eat well is a excise in how far you can go before you engage in just rampant child beating. I started buying organic dairy after I saw the studies out of Europe of the hormones given to cows to increase milk production and how it's strongly linked to girls starting their periods at younger and younger ages. When I was a child in the 90s, girls starting their periods at nine was becoming more common. Now we are seeing periods starting at 7. That puts girls at MUCH higher risks of breast and ovarian cancers not to mention putting a damper on their childhood because of the humiliation that stems from a leak. So now I buy eight dollar a gallon milk but my children don't understand just how expensive that is and still treat it like it's 2.50 a gallon and drink it like it's water. Many times, after working on bills and debt plans I've come downstairs to see glasses of milk left on the counters, enough to fill half a gallon and it makes me want to smother them in their sleep. How do I get them to learn both self sufficiency and to stop wasting my expensive food? How can I be everywhere at once? The SECOND a robot is available to watch my children at all times and zap them with tasers the SECOND they even THINK about not finishing the huge glass of milk they just poured I'M BUYING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Sophie-ge7ti]

I feel for you! My kids do the same thing with the expensive milk and I often go through 4 gallons per week! Its ridiculous

[@Nicole-cs2vz]

Then tell them, next time you see a half-empty glass of milk, no milk. Ever. Again. Or make them "pay" you back by having them do extra chores.

[@willowworks]

....the one confusion I have is the statistic 7% income on food....Everyone I know is going broke from the rapid rise of food costs. We spend 2x as much and every single week the prices go up amd up and up.

[@thelousysloth]

Where the hell are you shopping? Prices in my local supermarket do go up but slowly and I live in a somewhat more urban environment. I'd expect my prices to go up faster than out in the countryside where the food is grown. Avoid the processed food and choose veggies and meats from the frozen section and save more money. "Fresh" veggies and meat tend to rot on shoppers because shoppers do not process the food immediately when they get home. Frozen is fresher anyway than the produce section or the meat counter or fish counter. Frozen right out of the field as opposed to sitting around rotting while waiting to be picked up by a shopper. Less rottage equals more savings means less cost and more money in your account.

[@MoonLiteNite]

you are fogetting that they spend 2x as much on their cable TV bill, their internet, their cell phone, their protection plan and their cars, their car ins, and everything else people waste money on. So they are going broke from those things, not from the light cost of food, which i can't see. you can buy a 10lb bag of rice for like 6 bucks, and you can buy 10gals of beans for 15bucks...

[@SyedAmermohiuddin]

i clicked because i confused bittman with batman

[@mdumkwent3302]

U ARE on to sumthing

[@maryseokley6061]

Food is UR best medicine....IF U love UR body..... Quality vs quantity; So much abundance..... Fresh ,homegrown...

[@D0NtPh34rTh3R34p3R]

Lol vegetables are cheaper than meat, idk why he says we should be spending more. Go to your local seed supply and grow stuff, that's really the cheapest route.

[@dCash117]

$1 Burger $7 Salad

[@Karmiangod]

You know what's crazy is that I'm buying calories then I'm buying nutrition. Yeah it's not the healthiest diet but I'm getting nutrition and calories.

[@hillbill7016]

+Karmiangod If you don't get the right amount of nutritions in your body, it will lead to diseases later on. Go watch fat vs. skinny.

[@Karmiangod]

I'll watch it and see what it's about.

[@TheDrunkardHu]

... that was beautiful... tragic, but beautiful.

[@AmiPropagator]

great video...but what's u with that old ass computer

[@trailerparkninja6834]

When I realized the food I ate was hurting me I was astounded 2 find out how food companies r manipulating us 2 eat thier products by making them out of the most addictive substances that r banned everywhere but the united states. It is possible 2 diet and loose wieght especially if u eat the right things

[@BoggWeasel]

The fast food $1 menu has become the soup kitchen for the working poor and unemployed. Good value but a nutritional nightmare.

[@endryus4269]

Food inc

[@LemurWhoSpoke]

If you want to know how future generations will look at today's food production, I suggest reading the Ishmael series by Daniel Quinn.

[@blockydrums846]

the utopia diner?

[@Holobrine]

JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST BIG SUGAR

[@essemick1504]

this is often because Americans skipping on meals as well

[@KatieBadenhorst]

Cut through the confusion and just go vegan. Better for the environment, your health and the animals.

[@desp8161]

Meat is a big factor in mal nutrition. Egg farmers are legally not allowed to advertise their products are "healthy" or anything along those lines. Meat has packed with fat and cholesterol, which Americans get too much of already. You can get protein from plants and nuts, plus much more fiber, which Americans have a shortage of, not protein.

[@Floccini]

It strikes me that Mark Bittman, as much as I like him, is completely unqualified scientifically to say what he does. So much of what he says in wrong. The unsatisfying fact is that knew everything significant about nutrition by about 1955.

[@westside1158]

But Americans have other countries food its hard to say that without counting other countries because we get other countries food the only problem is real bad foods like candy sodas and twinkies lol

[@MrVictorserrano]

great insite

[@andrewgodly5739]

What's the point of living a long life in low-income? I'd rather eat stuff that'll kill me before 50. Think of it as a quicker way out of a crappy experience. It sucks being poor

[@bcstephe]

Whew. I love both these guys but the liberal talking classes need to take a breath. "sort of" "sort of" "what's considered culturally appropriate about these groups" "there's a lot to unpack there". Language that sort of feels like stale copying of what a smart Coaster is sort of supposed to sound like. Exhausting. Enough Already.

[@AmanSingh-jr9eu]

Whats wrong with interviewer Spectacles , So distracting