What Happened to the Neighborhood Grocer?

Growing up, there were a number of small grocery stores spread out across the town.  They were located within 1 to 2 miles of most residents which made access relatively easy for most.  They all provided dairy, produce, meats, and deli.  They had cereal, condiments, snacks, and cleaning products.  They provided the basics and were visited by loyal customers.  Then along came the boom of the large supermarkets which put the small stores out of business, and made access for some people a hardship.  There are now more convenience stores or fast food establishments closer to some people than a grocery store.  This has contributed to the rise of unhealthy eating, and the increase of problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cholesterol.

There was a time when Grand Union, A&P, Finast, Waldbaum’s, and a number of other small stores dotted the neighborhoods.  If need be, one could walk or take a short ride on mass transit to purchase a few items.  This is no longer the case.  The large stores are on main roads in many towns making it difficult for people who do not own a vehicle to reach.   It is almost impossible to make large purchases as it is too hard to carry on a bus.  This wasn’t as much of a problem when stores were within a reasonable distance from one’s home. 

So what happens?  It is easier to pick up that doughnut on the corner.  It is easier to go to the fast food establishment or buy processed items that can sit on the shelf without going bad.  How is this supposed to help people make good decisions when it comes to diet?  Doesn’t it lead to more health related issues and more expense when it comes to providing health care?

There has been some effort in small cities and towns to set up farmer’s markets which bring fresh produce and other items to the people.  This has been successful for both the consumer and the farmers.  It is one thing to constantly tell people that they have improve their diet and watch what they eat.  It is equally if not more important to make access to those foods available.  It has to be provided and it has to be easily accessible.  This should be considered by the community at large when the concern for the health of people is discussed.  It should be realized that all people, regardless of income, location, and means of transportation have the right to access quality food and a healthier lifestyle.

Pink Slime, Growth Hormones, and Sugar

Over the past year, I have had 3 distinct revelations regarding the food that is produced in the United States.  It is an understatement to say it has been alarming and eye-opening.  The good thing is that I have made significant changes in where I shop and what I eat.  This is all due to the documentary Food, Inc., an episode of Jaime Oliver’s Food Revolution, and a recent report on 60 minutes.  The information in these reports enable people to make decisions, seek better choices, and in some cases succeed in changing the industry.

About a year ago, I watched the documentary Food, Inc., and changed where I buy the beef and chicken consumed by my family.  After seeing how these animals are housed, fed, and grown to be abnormal in size, I was disgusted to learn that these practices are used by major brands found at the supermarket.  I now go to a meat store in a nearby town to make these purchases.  Not only is the quality and taste noticeable, but the price is lower.  Even the stores that claim to have the best cuts of meat, and the greatest chicken, cannot match what I have found in this small store.  The other advantage is that you can purchase only what you need, so none goes to waste.

A couple of months later, I saw the episode of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution demonstrating how Pink Slime is created.  Jaime reproduced the exact process that is used by the big companies that produce this fatty, chemically washed filler that is used in burgers found in fast food establishments and school lunches.  It does not appear to be a coincidence that McDonald’s and many school districts are now in the process of eliminating this filler from their burgers.  How many people have eaten this manufactured food product and what effect has it had on their health?

Lastly, 60 Minutes recently aired a report regarding the amount of sugar that is added to many food items in order to improve taste and increase the desire for more.   Dr. Robert Lustig, stated sugar is responsible for obesity, heart disease, and some types of cancer.  I eliminated high fructose corn syrup a few years ago.  Now I’m reading labels to see how much sugar is in foods that we might not suspect such as bread, yogurt, milk, etc.   I can honestly say that I am well below the daily limit, but it is astounding to see the amount that is found in a serving of some items.

Reports and the media should be used as an avenue for providing information so people can make decisions regarding the choices in their lives.  It is not easy to eliminate everything that is deemed bad for us like Orlando movers at orlandomovers.info, but at least we can make decisions when we have the knowledge.  It also puts pressure on an industry that is continuously being exposed for unhealthy products that sit on shelves, or served in schools and restaurants.  Food is a major factor that affects our health, our energy, and our minds.  If we want to lead a life that allows us to enjoy it to the fullest, then changes have to be made.

Note:  There will be a follow-up to this post regarding the availability of better foods for all.

The Trend of K Cups

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 The size of many grocery items have been shrinking at a steady pace.   While the ounces go down, the price stays the same.   I began to wonder how much smaller these containers can become before they are considered individual servings.  That is when it dawned on me that the coffee industry has already achieved this.  K cups provide an individual with a single cup of coffee in a short brewing cycle.  People have bought new machines to use these cups, and love the convenience of making a hot serving quickly.  The variety of choices has exploded as well as its popularity.  What also is happening is that people are paying much more per ounce than coffee in the can.  Is this going to happen to other items as well?

Tuna used to be 7 oz.   It then went down to 6 oz.  My last trip to the store revealed that most brands are now selling at 5 oz.  I am lucky to get 2 sandwiches out of the can.  I am lucky to get 2 sandwiches out of the can.  Orange juice went from 64 oz. to 59.  A 10 oz bag of chips used to be considered the small size.  Now it is the standard size.   6 inch tortillas average around 4 inches.  Let’s get back to coffee.  A 16 oz can dropped to 13, then 11, and now hovers around 10 oz.   The list goes on and on.

What hasn’t changed is the price.  We are now paying more for less.  Throw in a bad crop or a storm and the price goes up even more.   If the trend towards smaller sizes continues, we will soon be paying astronomical prices for food.  People are trying to live within a budget during these hard economic times.   These rising costs are going to cause more to struggle to make ends meet. 

The worst part is that in most cases the manufacturers are making the packaging the same size.  Open the product, a burst of air comes out, and you see what you are left with.  It is deceiving and sneaky.  If you think your food isn’t lastly as long as usual, you are right.  Start reading the labels and you will see why.

A Gallon of Gasoline

   The price of gas is going up again.  It seems like every trip to the pump is experiencing a rise of 20 cents or more.  As much as I don’t like to see this happen, I can say one thing about gas.  We can judge the cost because no matter what the price, we pay for a gallon.  This is not true of many items we purchase.  Other industries have modified their sizes and quality without us readily noticing.

   My favorite brand of orange juice is Tropicana.  Last week, I saw it on sale for $2.50.  I thought this was quite the bargain and bought two.  It wasn’t until I got home that I noticed that the carton was now 59 oz. instead of 64.  They have been selling other juices at the 59 oz size for some time, but the straight orange juice has only been reduced recently.  So in other words, my great find was not really a great find after all.

   Cans of tuna are now down to 5 oz.  Sure they may be 10 for 10, but they are smaller.  I also noticed that the quality of Bumblebee has much to be desired.  The last time I opened a can, it contained more water, and the tuna itself was of a lower quality.  I now purchase another brand that I pay $1.25 to $1.50 for but it is 7 oz. and much meatier in taste and appearance.

    Coffee cans have shrunk too.   A small can is now 10.5 oz.  What happened to it being a pound?  It slowly reduced its size from 16 oz to 13 oz, then 11 oz and now 10.5 oz.   Pretty soon we will all be forced to by those little cups for individual servings.

   The list can go on and on, detergent, soap, crackers, bread, peanut butter, etc.  My sister thinks the roll of toilet paper has gotten narrower too.  I took a look the other day and realized that she is probably right.

    The makers of everyday goods have pulled a fast one on us.  I would rather have to pay more than to be fooled into thinking I am getting a bargain, and finding out that the contents is reduced or modified.  So, while I don’t like the cost of gasoline rising, at least I know that a gallon is a gallon.  Well…at least for now.