Could smaller portions slow food crisis?
These huge portions lead to Americans consuming the most calories of any nation in the world, with about 3,770 calories per day on average, according to a recent study (Canadians eat about 3,590 calories, while Indians consume 2,440). Some say that if America cut its portions, there would be more food for others, somewhat lessening the global food crisis. Paul Roberts, author of The End of Food says Americans eating less would put less of a burden on the world’s grain supply, lowering prices for staples eaten by millions worldwide. The Food Marketing Institute says 71 percent of Americans are eating out less and 48 percent are buying fewer groceries, and people tend to be buying more off-brand and lower-quality foods (think Spam instead of hamburger) as they try to make their dollars stretch. But Michael Donohue of the National Restaurant Association says the average adult still eats out six times a week, and restaurants provide a great deal because their prices have only risen about 3
