For the last number of years the term, " we are what we eat " has been bantered around to in a sense, shock us into looking at what we consume in our Bodies. So l decided to get a New Map of the Adelaide Metropolitan Area and plot where the three main "Fast Food Outlet" providers were located. What l found not only surprised me, but also showed some other interesting similarities with another "Community Provider". Cash Converter's- Pay Day Lender.
The three main fast food outlets l used were, McDonald's, Hungry Jack's & Red Rooster.
l remember reading a Letter to the Editor, of The Adelaide Advertiser, middle of last year, (2014), where a person wrote in to the paper on similar lines, and mentioned, l quote: " It is no good moving the fast food outlets out of the poorer areas, as the Fatties will find them, no matter where you put them. " At the time, l thought that a remark like that was a bit "under the belt", so to speak.
However, my very thorough Research has found a Disturbing Trend by these Fast Food Outlets, to mainly be placed in what we call today by Government Terms, to be Lower Social-Economic Areas. Areas of High Unemployment, Single Mothers with children of all ages, and Areas of what is left over of the so called "Blue Collar" Workforce. (very few left now)
There are 38 Mcdonald's Fast Food "Restaurant's" in the Greater Adelaide Metropolitan Area, 20 of these are in LSEA's.
There are 10 Hungry Jack's Fast Food "Restaurant's" in the Greater Adelaide Metropolitan Area, 5 of these are in LSEA's.
There are 5 Red Rooster Fast Food "Restaurant's" in the Greater Adelaide Metropolitan Area, 4 of these are in LSEA's.
Even though these so called "Fast Food Restaurant's" claim to have "Diet Type" meals, and Lower "Fat" content items, the huge amount of Salt and other preservatives that are included are disturbing. The Soft Cones, Soft Drinks from the Tap Syrup Dispenser, and the ingredients of these so called "Healthier" Burgers, leave much to be consumed, and left with for a long time to come.
A News article from the Channel 10 News at 5pm tonight, mentioned that we (Australia) have one of the Highest Salt Contents in Fast Food, in the whole world. Huge amounts more than the UK, & the USA. (USA, the Home of Fast Food Outlets)
A visit at almost anytime to Hungry Jack's & Mcdonald's (especially around meal time, or after school time) will show you obese not only "children", but in the Adults that are there with them. Another Generation growing up and being Drafted into the "Fast Food " meal time event. I guess my most disappointing "discovery" was the amount of severely obese individuals that were lining up for "seconds" orders, and then partaking of the Soft Cone/Soft Drinks.
What has this type of "eating" brought upon our children and families ? What can be done to correct this sad situation ?
More Federal Funding to Medicare/Health Fund Providers ?
School Education starting as early as Pre-School, in Healthy Eating, and staying Healthy, and more outside activities on the school oval.
The Best Advise, is that proper training start in the home, ...if possible. (not always possible).
What do you think ?
