The hungry obese

Megan McArdle at Asymmetrical Information highlights the inanity of the statistics used to highlight hunger in America. An article from Reuters (of course) begins:

In a nation where obesity is the second-leading cause of death, 33 million Americans don't know where their next meal is coming from....

She points out that this is more than 10% of the U.S. population, of which 12.5% is below the poverty line. And the poor are more likely to be obese.

The comments discuss how one can eat if one is on a tight budget. I don't do a whole lot of cooking from scratch, so when I buy some staples, I'm often shocked how little one has to pay. A five pound bag of flour? Cooking oil? Beans?

Don't forget every student's best friend: ramen noodles. I've seen them for as little as 10 cents each. Granted, you can't live off ramen, but they are filling, and can be expanded with a little meat or vegetables to create a meal. Example:

Ginger Beef and Noodle Soup

1 pound lean ground beef
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp pepper
2 cups water
1 can (13¼-14½ oz) vegetable broth
1 package (3 oz) beef-flavored instant ramen noodles, broken
3 cups frozen broccoli stir-fry vegetable mixture

In large saucepan, brown ground beef over medium heat 6 minutes or until outside surface is no longer pink, breaking up into ¾ inch crumbles. Pour off drippings.

Add salt, ginger, and pepper. Stir in water, broth, and seasoning packet from ramen noodles; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles and vegetables; return to a boil. Continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes or until noodles are tender.