What are your thoughts on the cost of food, types of food, and availability of family meals in different countries. What are the...

The family in Italy spends about 39% of its income on food, while the family in Mexico spends about 58% of its yearly income on food. Interestingly, according to the photos, the types of food they eat are somewhat similar. Both families—that in Sicily and that in Italy—eat a lot of processed foods (cereals and canned foods, for example). They also drink what appear to be sodas and eat a lot of carbohydrates in the...

The family in Italy spends about 39% of its income on food, while the family in Mexico spends about 58% of its yearly income on food. Interestingly, according to the photos, the types of food they eat are somewhat similar. Both families—that in Sicily and that in Italy—eat a lot of processed foods (cereals and canned foods, for example). They also drink what appear to be sodas and eat a lot of carbohydrates in the form of bread. The family in Mexico appears to have more produce as part of their meals. This means that family meals in both countries are somewhat similar.

The similarity of the meals between the two families suggests that international food businesses have been effective at marketing their products around the globe. For example, both families appear to eat American breakfast cereals and to consume American sodas. International businesses have been so effective at changing local food patterns that family meals in different parts of the world are similar. Though eating locally made products might be less expensive, families will apparently still buy products that are marketed commercially, as these products seem desirable (perhaps particularly to children). International businesses have been effective at getting people to buy their products, even if these products are expensive in some markets.