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DALL·E 2024-10-26 16.15.22 - A visual comparison of fast food and home cooking costs. On one side, show a takeout fast food meal in a disposable bag with fries, a burger, and a dr

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Is Fast Food Cheaper Than Cooking At Home?

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Is Fast Food Cheaper Than Cooking At Home?

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The chosen news article is titled, "Is Fast Food Cheaper Than Cooking At Home?" written by Aja McClanahan, from the US News. This article discussed the nuance behind eating at home versus eating out. While it is typically common knowledge that eating at home is more economically efficient than eating out, there is much more to it. The article describes that when comparing the dollar for dollar amount, eating at home may be cheaper, however, other factors involved such as time spent cooking, driving to the grocery store, gas mileage, etc are all economic factors that play into the phenomenon. Thus, for people that value time over money, eating at fast-food restaurants may just be more efficient. Yet, in terms of larger families or special dietary needs, eating at home may be more efficient. Thus, the article summarizes that eating out versus eating at home is solely based on lifestyle choices, as the choices may vary across the population!

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In terms of a comparative analysis, we chose to compare the issue of food deserts in America with the debate about whether eating out, or cooking at home is more economically efficient. Food deserts are typically described as areas in which it is difficult to purchase affordable fresh food. According to USDA's most recent food access report, 13% of America live in low-income and low-access areas. Typically, these deserts are located in low-income neighborhoods, where the only grocery stores are located miles out of the neighborhoods. On average, in food deserts, grocery stores with fresh food are about 1-5 miles out of the area, meanwhile, most of its residents don't own transportation to travel. Thus, residents living in food deserts typically have no other option but to eat out, or purchase cheap food from convenience stores and delis. In providing this broader perspective of the food markets in America, for those who live in food deserts, it is much more economically efficient to eat out. Between the time, money, and energy it would take to travel to grocery stores, the benefit of eating out is much higher than the cost of buying fresh foods.

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One economic concept that comes to mind in regards to the article would be the cost-benefit analysis principle. When consumers make a decision whether to eat out, or to eat at home, they are weighing their costs versus their benefits. The cost benefit analysis principle is the process of weighing cost factors such as time, money, with benefits, such as enjoyment or convenience. This article specifically describes how in terms of fast food and cooking, different costs and benefits vary widely among a wide range of people. For some, the cost of cooking outweighs the benefits of eating out. Yet for others, the benefit of eating at home outweighs the cost of going to the grocery store.

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Did you know that about 13% of Americans live in a food desert?

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Another, more recently learned economic principle related to the article could be positive and negative externalities. An example of negative externalities that relates to this article could be that eating at fast food restaurants increases the amount of waste produced. Most fast food restaurants package their food in plastic bags, which end up getting thrown away. Thus, resulting in further pollution of our planet, which negatively impacts all of us!

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The Cost Of Eating Out Versus Eating In By State

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The Cost Of Eating Out Versus Eating In By State

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This article, written by Nicolette Star Maggiolo, on Top Nutrition Coaching's website overlooks the food costs of the country. This article discusses the pros and cons of eating out, verus cooking at home, and the results were fascinating! Concerning the pros of eating in, Nicolette described how it is significantly cheaper, and significantly healthier, while the cons include time investments. On the other hand, concerning eating out, it is generally more convenient, although more costly and unhealthy.

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Market failures in the food market could be described as positive/negative externalities, and the issue of rival goods.

Negative externalities that arise from food markets discussed in the article, are pollution and health risks. Consuming fast food on a daily basis can lead to higher obesity rates, and a spike in pollution.

Positive externalities that may arise from food markets, specifically eating at home, could impact farmers. When one purchases fresh food, you are helping the farmer that produced in!

The issue of rival goods is extremely relevant in this situation. As we all remember, in the beginning of the COVID pandemic, grocery store aisles became scare, due to people over consuming the goods from the grocery store, thus, resulting is less goods for others. I may also argue that the food market is rival, and excludable, due to the issue of food deserts. Would you agree?

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I may also argue that the food market is rival, and excludable, due to the issue of food deserts. Would you agree?

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When it comes to whether eating out or eating at home, the decision is based on lifestyle choices.

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Everyone should be able to easily access fresh food at a low cost.

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We can analyze that fast food is more convenient and cheaper cost compared to cooking at home. The consumer might increase the productivity of fast food chains with people who look to send less money on food. The equilibrium model states that in the short term, people may look at fast food as the cheaper and more affordable option. However in the article, they mention cooking at home can be the best option long term to save money.

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In terms of the effectiveness of the food market, the food market is effective to some degree. In sum, the article discussed the debate whether eating out, or at home is more economically effective. And ultimately decided that that decision is based on individual lifestyle choices. There definitely are winners, and losers in the market for food, as depending where you are located, food varies depending on accessibility and affordability. From an economic standpoint, the food market contains the economic fundamentals of the cost balance principle, as well as unintended consequences, such as positive and negative externalities.