Join NYU Libraries for an insightful discussion with some of our most esteemed panelists about how the conversation, study, and action around food has evolved over the last two decades. Together, we’ll reflect on 20 years of the Critical Topics in Food event series and examine the role that thoughtful community gatherings like these have played in shaping our collective dialogue about food. The Critical Topics in Food event series is a partnership between NYU Special Collections, NYU Steinhardt Department of Nutrition & Food Studies, and Clark Wolf.
by Marion Nestle
Aug
24
2023
USDA latest data on at-home and away-from-home food spending
USDA’s Economic Research Service reports on trends in food consumption, with enlightening charts. I thought this one was worth a close look.
The chart shows the proportion of income spent for total food—roughly 11% in 2022, a level last reached in 1991. Food costs are going up—a lot.
The proportions spent inside and outside the home are roughly the same.
- At home: 5.6% of their income on food at supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouse club stores, supercenters, and other retailers.
- Away from home: 5.6% of their income on food at restaurants, fast-food establishments, schools, and other such places.
The drop in away-from-home eating in 2020 and 2021 was due to pandemic, restrictions of course, but is now recovering.
The decline in at-home eating is a long-term trend, reflecting major changes in American society.
The rise in away-from-home eating has health implications.
Away-from-home meals:
- Are served in larger portions than at-home meals
- Have more calories than at-home meals
- Encourage greater calorie consumption than at-home meals
Bring back home economics?