Hi all,

I am currently taking a class called Animals, Ethics, and Food: Deconstructing Dominant Discourse.  One of the class requirements is that we write a paper on whatever topic we choose as long as it relates to animals in the food system.  I have chosen to do mine on class and nutrition.  What prompted this was watching Food Inc. when the family claimed that they were forced to each McDonalds because the fathers diabetes medicine cost $100 a month, the food was making him sick but they couldn't afford the nourishing food to offset the $100 medical expenses.  So that got me thinking about how meat is subsidized and how advertizing varies in different neighborhoods etc. etc.  you get the idea.  I am having trouble finding good research on the topic.  I also need to conduct two interviews and was wondering if anyone had any ideas about who I should interview (I'm thinking maybe food bank coordinators or the people in charge of school lunches in different areas).

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Lindsay

PS I live in Seattle

One of the questions I have for the family eating at McDonalds is how that is cheaper than buying rice and beans, or perhaps peanut butter and a loaf of wheat bread?  Even on the dollar menu, that (McDonalds) is still expensive!  Eating healthy is not expensive if you make the right choices, I think you should include that in your paper...just saying...rice and beans beats McDonalds at any rate.

I agree Mary Rose! Sadly, it can be expensive to buy "real" food, if your usual "real" is processed supermarket crap or even actual real meat. That being said, if they watched flyers and and sales it will never be cheaper to eat at McDonald's. A frigging kids meal is over $5. For one meal. Even if they buy canned beans they'd make out cheaper if they watch for specials. And one can of beans could do a family of four as a side dish or poured over rice. WAY cheaper that a $30-35 McDonald's meal for four. Our local supermarket's have their own brand of food items which are often cheaper than recognised brands and one of the supermarkets have a line that's lower in fat and calories and often pretty good. It's not a vegan line but it is possible to eat cheaply even if you're not vegan. It's sad that a lot of people just don't know any better...and don't take the time to learn and research.

Btw...love your topic idea.