Hungry Planet: What The World Eats. Photographer Peter Menzel and writer Faith D’Aluisio traveled the world, inviting themselves to dine with 30 families in 24 countries, from Darfur to Cuba to Poland. But before dinner, they shop together. In so doing, they discover how what we eat both reflects and affects who we are. Photo portraits of each family show them surrounded by a week’s worth of groceries.
This is a wonderful visual representation of global cultures and how they relate to food. This is amazing “food for thought” about what we eat, how families cook and eat together, how culture relates to the development of picky eaters, and the ingredients of our food.
Much of what we see here is quite predictable…
- It seems that the more developed countries rely on processed and convenience foods, rather than whole foods and produce. I don’t see much “real” food in the photo depicting the groceries from the USA…or even Germany.
- It is hard to imagine that the children of Bhutan, Chad or Ecuador complain much about not liking their vegetables. They are happy to eat…Anything. Are their parents cooking separate meals for their children – No Way! There is nothing wrong with us trying to please our children, but perhaps we are taking things just a bit too far at times?
- Anyone care to discuss their thoughts?
- You can read more by purchasing the book and by reading the article in Time Magazine, from June 2007.
Japan: The Ukita family of Kodaira City
Food expenditure for one week: 37,699 Yen or $317.25
Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily
Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11
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
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 am shocked at how many of the families have soda, Coke to be specific.
Look at how some of the families are smiling even though they don’t have a lot of food.
Wow!
wow. that is quite an eye-opener. very cool photos. where did you find this?
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Thanks for the heads up. I had read the article in Time magazine awhile back, but didn’t know there was a book associated with (apparently I skimmed the article!). Ordering now.
Wow! that is such and eye opener! I am so interested in this that i have posted a photo challenge on my website about this.. asking my members to do the same thing! they have a week to buy a week’s worth of groceries and then they have to take a photo and post it. I have memebers from all over the world and I want to see the differences!
Thanks for posting this!!
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What a great, thought-provoking post. Happy thanksgiving.
I feel so selfish and I’m not even a picky eater
Thanks for your comments, everyone. I recently purchased this book and it is completely fascinating! The foreword is written by Marion Nestle, whose writing is clear and informative – she, too, discusses the pervasiveness of Coca-Cola… Very sad that this sugar-laden, nutrient-deficient beverage has found its way into communities who so badly need REAL food and consume this instead.