Written by Marina Veličković, English language and literature teacher
Quick Fast Food Statistics:
• Most Americans eat fast food 1-3 times a week.
• ⅓ of Americans are eating fast food on any given day.
• People ages 20-39 years old eat the fastest food on any given day.
• Men consume more fast food than women.
• 83% of American families eat fast food at least once a week.
• The average American household spends 10% of their annual income on fast food.
• People who earn more money tend to eat more fast food than those who earn lower incomes.
• Lunchtime is the most popular time to eat fast food.
• 34% of children eat fast food on any given day.
• Regular fast food consumption increases your risks for obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes & depression.
These statistics definitely make one think about our eating habits and the quality of food we eat. When eating a burger, have you thought about the process it goes through to the final moment you consume it? Well, Fast Food Nation is definitely going to make you think about it.
Fast Food Nation is the film we will be discussing this time during our Film club session scheduled for Tuesday 15 June at 17:30.
This movie raises several questions regarding the fast food industry and its incredibly widespread influence on communities all across the USA. Americans now eat about 13 million hamburgers a year. Not only does this industry influence people’s dietary habits, but also the lives of people working within this industry. According to some statistics, about one out of every eight American workers has at some point received a pay check from some fast food restaurant. Moreover, the film portrays the struggle illegal aliens, unrecognized by the system and probably the most vulnerable party in all this, and working class people go through just to survive.
We get an insight into how fast food companies are ready to commit unlawful acts in order to pursue their agenda and gain profit disregarding people, safety and health regulations. The film sends a message that maybe we should be more invested and informed about the health and safety of the food being produced and served to us.
These point and many more will be discussed during our next film club session. So, feel free to join us on Tuesday 15 June at 17:30 on Skype.
Apply for the free Film Club discussion on Fast Food Nation:
