Is Junk Food Really Cheaper Analysis

In Bittman’s New York Times article Is Junk Food Really Cheaper? he writes of America’s established idea that fast food is cheaper than fresh food. Bittman believes that fresh food isn’t always the more expensive option, and if you have the time to go to McDonald’s you have time to go to the grocery store. Bittman presents his ideas in somewhat of a critical way at first, but mellows out towards the end sympathizing with the audience. Despite Bittman’s headstrong opinion, he asks a fascinating question that keeps those wondering about the way they’re eating and how they can change it. As Bittman starts off his article, he gives an in your face approach to it. He explains, that after doing his own homework, it costs about $23-28 to feed a family of four at McDonalds. He then goes on to say, “You can serve a roasted chicken with vegetables along with a simple salad and milk for about $14.” Bittman shows a logos approach to this, by going out and seeing for himself just how much this food costs. It also seems that Bittman is trying to provoke the reader in a sense when he says “…and you get a few apple slices in addition to the fries!” Depending on whether

Demographics from New York Times online show that the majority of people who subscribe to and read the newspaper are upper class citizens. So why would Bittman write an article about impoverished families choosing fast food over fresh produce for a newspaper that is read by those who don’t have to worry about the price of their food? As this is thought over, it seems that Bittman is more informing his audience rather than addressing a situation they have. The more I think about it the more I realize that choosing fast food over healthy food isn’t something just lower class citizens do, but all citizens. He is making a point that everyone should be looking at what they’re eating, not just those in financially tight