Year of Plenty

Wed., Feb. 9, 2011

America is the Bulging Waistline of the World: Comparison Map of Obesity in Countries 1980-2008

The folks at The Economist have created this handy map to show the changes in Body Mass Index in countries around the world over the last few decades (males over 20 yrs old). Click on the 1998 and 2008 in the top right corner to see how things have changed in those 20 years. Can we all agree that obesity is the most significant health issue facing the U.S. in the coming decades? And if we can agree on that we have to agree that food policy and food culture are among the most important issues facing our communities. I can't help but notice the contrast between the the US and Africa. What do you notice?

h/t Daily Dish

Posted Feb. 9, 2011, 5:25 p.m.

The Year of Plenty blog was created by Craig Goodwin in the winter of 2008 to chronicle the experiences of his family as they sought to consume everything local, used, homegrown or homemade. That journey was a wonderful introduction to people and movements in the Spokane area who are seeking the welfare of the community through local foods, farmers markets, community gardens, sustainable transportation, and more fulfilling and just patterns of consumption. In 2009 and beyond the blog will continue to report on these relationships and practices, all through the eyes of a family with young children. Craig manages the Millwood Farmers' Market, is a Master Food Preserver and Pastor at Millwood Presbyterian Church. Craig can be reached at goody2230@gmail.com