Food deserts and food marketing

When you don't have nutrition knowledge, you are susceptible to what you're told, especially through advertising (note that probably the two best nutrition education/cookbooks are Jane Brody's Good Food Book and the Conners' The New American Diet).

From the AP story "Fast food chains chase cash-strapped consumers":

If you want to stretch your dollar without shrinking your appetite, you're in luck.Fast food companies, looking for a way to attract budget-conscious customers and keep them spending, are increasingly offering more food for less money....

Teenagers - big eaters long loyal to fast food - could also benefit from an expanded value menu, said Deutsche Bank economist Joe Lavorgna."Teenagers are very sensitive to changes in gasoline prices," he said. "Typically what they have left over to spend, they will spend on fast food."Burger King is now studying whether its new dollar double cheeseburger can bring that leftover change into the coffers. The chain is testing the sandwich in a few undisclosed markets. It usually sells for more than $2.


Burger King employee Gio Cavero, returns change to Steve Sciple of Port St. Lucie, Fla. after he ordered items off the value menu, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 at a Burger King restaurant in Coral Gables, Fla. Fast food companies, looking for a way to attract budget-conscious customers and keep them spending, are increasingly offering more food for less money. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)