essay on street food and youth

Street foods are ready-to-eat foods and beverages prepared and/or sold by vendors or hawkers especially in the streets and other similar places.

They represent a significant part of urban food consumption for millions of low-and-middle-income consumers, in urban areas on a daily basis. Street foods may be the least expensive and most accessible means of obtaining a nutritionally balanced meal outside the home for many low income people, provided that the consumer is informed and able to choose the proper combination of foods.

In developing countries, street food preparation and selling provides a regular source of income for millions of men and women with limited education or skills.

Today, local authorities, international organisations and consumer associations are increasingly aware of the socioeconomic importance of street foods but also of their associated risks. The major concern is related to food safety, but other concerns are also reported, such as sanitation problems (waste accumulation in the streets and the congestion of waste water drains), traffic congestion in the city also for pedestrians (occupation of sidewalks by street vendors and traffic accidents), illegal occupation of public or private space, and social problems (child labour, unfair competition to formal trade, etc.).

The risk of serious food poisoning outbreaks linked to street foods remains a threat in many parts of the world. A lack of knowledge among street food vendors about the causes of food-borne disease is a major risk factor.

Although many consumers attach importance to hygiene in selecting a street food vendor, consumers are often unaware of the health hazards associated with street vended foods.

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Street food represents the stories of struggle, survival, and a nation’s sensibilities

Polarizing to outsiders, street food has always filled the city’s locals from all walks of life. yet how has this culture changed.

Street food in the Philippines is a way of life and, at times, a point of contention. Despite strides Filipino food has been making overseas, particularly in the United States , our local food continues to invite foreigners to provide strongly worded opinions about the cuisine, with a female writer once calling Filipino food “the worst in Asia.” One travel blogger, in particular, singled out our street food, who said she’d “rather starve” than eat it again.

While these incendiary reactions stoked online ire, allow me to pose a thought. Part of the reason why our street food does not fare well with tourists is the fact that these humble dishes are intrinsically local, serving local needs: societal nuances and complications included.

Revisiting Manila’s street food, from Doreen Gamboa-Fernandez’s ‘Tikim’

Although other cities such as Bangkok may have mastered the art of making their street-peddled dishes palatable to foreign visitors, the bowls and skewers that characterize Manila’s street food are borne out of urban grit and a need for survival. As Doreen Gamboa Fernandez writes in her essay on street food, Balut to Barbecue , “Street food in the Philippines is not only a convenience for those without time to cook, or an economic phenomenon that flourishes during hard times. It is a lifestyle.”

Although other cities such as Bangkok may have mastered the art of making their street-peddled dishes palatable to foreign visitors, the bowls and skewers that characterize Manila’s version are borne out of urban grit and a need for survival.

Largely catering to the working class, street carts and stalls are set up in jeepney and bus terminals, outskirts of residential neighborhoods, as well as on the sites of schools, workplaces, marketplaces, or even churches—typically away from the usual tourist stomping grounds. Street food is meant to be extremely affordable and convenient for the mobile commuter. Hence, day-old chicks, wiry intestines skewered on sticks, pig ears, and all things brown and charred may not make for the most appetizing delicacies for outsiders making their foray into the cuisine and expecting to be wowed. 

Existing between time and space

Published in the ’90s, Fernandez’s view on street food in her essay is still largely reflective of the magnitude with which street food has grown today. Save for some minute details that date the material (the UP Shopping Center, which was lost to a fire in 2018, stands no more), the late food historian’s observations on street food as a culture remain: folded tables in residential neighborhoods; the array of eateries in bus terminals; cheap eats being sold at offices, schools, and construction sites; and “walking” street food such as peanuts or taho being sold by mobile vendors carrying baskets, often cheap morsels that take little to no time to assemble.

Compare this to the quintessential Filipino eating habits, usually bound by proper meals depending on the time of day. These mealtimes are typically taken sitting down at a dining table at home: agahan for umaga (morning); tanghalian for tanghali (noontime); hapunan for hapon (afternoon/evening). “Kumain nang tatlong beses sa isang araw” (Eat three times a day) is a baseline one hopes to achieve while straddling the poverty line, indicating that one has at least been fed well.

Being fast, cheap, and mobile can mean that street food serves an individual eater’s needs, who are usually relegated to one side as they quickly scarf down their snacks without a word.

Meanwhile, sitting squarely within that gray area of time and space exists street food. With its stalls taking up no more than a few square meters, one can be seated at a makeshift bench and monobloc table beside a cart on a sidewalk or simply stand up even as orders have arrived. 

Being fast, cheap, and mobile can mean that street food serves an individual eater’s needs, who are usually relegated to one side as they quickly scarf down their snacks without a word.  Yet while its very concept is used to bridge hungers ( “ pangtawid gutom” as Fernandez calls it), one can also use it to substitute a proper meal altogether.

Fernandez writes, “The snacks on the street fill this function, and perhaps this is why they are not considered ‘serious’ meals and are given ‘unserious’ meals like ‘Adidas,’ ‘helmet,’ and ‘Walkman.’”

Then there is the pack-up-and-go nature of its peddlers’ carts and stalls as well as the transient state of its eaters. As many vendors are not confined to a single location, whether of their own accord or of the locale’s changing permits and regulations, so are its patrons. This type of food becomes a go-to for workers on the clock, students stalling time before heading home, or passengers grabbing a quick bite before the bus leaves. It may be a stopover, but hardly the final destination—that is to say, a proper “mealtime” at home that allows individuals to reconnect with their family members.

Redefining the concept of ‘street’ in street food

Street food in the Philippines is still largely a small, fast, and cash-based operation for its vendors. Many of these establishments are family-run, earning just enough to afford a day’s meals for the family, enough cash profit for the next day’s capital, and a little extra.

Then, the pandemic occurred. While at its most fundamental definition, street food refers to food found on the street, recent times show that the lines between street and non-street food continue to blur.

Even in its digital reinvention, street food remained unbound by time, space, and concept.

As lockdowns introduced massive disruptions, this introduced an inadvertent cultural shift in how street food exists in the metro. With tightened mobility and border issues, street food was no longer relegated to the physical confines of being on the street or out of the open. The transient nature of street food in its most literal sense had been challenged, with remote work and school being the norm, with no jeepneys or other modes of public transport plying the roads.

Instead, pandemic businesses popped up left and right, beating the cabin fever of being confined at home while simultaneously acknowledging people’s needs for comfort meals at a time of uncertainty. Establishments of all sizes headily adapted online, as avenues such as Facebook Marketplace and online delivery platforms such as GrabFood and Foodpanda thrived.

Yet even in a peculiar time, street food remained fast, cheap, and mobile. Social media is free and easy to use, allowing carinderia owners and ihaw stall operators to hop on and pivot. Even in its digital reinvention, street food remained unbound by time, space, and concept: people ordered arroz caldo, isaw, pares, pork barbecue, and other cheap and filling eats, once consumed on the side of the streets, but now delivered by mobile riders plying them instead at virtually any time of the day.

With restrictions largely loosening since then, many of these street food businesses have returned to their physical setups. Meanwhile, those who have chosen to adapt to the new times maintained its online presence—diversifying the ways it could cater to a changed diner profile and its social media accounts.

And as cities such as Metro Manila continue to redefine the bounds of time and space, shaped by ever-changing factors, street food will be there to fill the bellies of its evolving locale.

If communal home dining is the beating heart of Filipino cuisine , then street food is its artery. Needing no explanation or justification with outsiders of the culture, it permeates the city’s nooks and crannies, fueling the city’s hustlers and showcases a slice of daily life: from the rushing office worker in Makati lining up for a plate of sisig before lunch break ends, to the Bicolano transplant selling their family’s laing recipe along a roadside carinderia. 

These represent the stories of struggle, survival, and a nation’s sensibilities, all taking place within the crevices of the metro with which its locals inhabit and live out their daily existence. And as cities such as Metro Manila continue to redefine the bounds of time and space, shaped by ever-changing factors, street food will be there to fill the bellies of its evolving locale.

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• Street Food

Essay: History of Street Food

Street food is a special kind of food sold on the streets of almost every city in the world.

When you buy street foods, you are able to consume them at once, even while standing. It is the main difference between street foods and restaurant meals. It is possible to say that this ready-to-eat food is a kind of fast food though its price is lower.

Of course, one can argue about its safety and impact on our health. This food belongs to finger food; therefore, there are cases of poisoning and various diseases transmitted by dirty hands, water and products.

A vendor does not have to rent a building and open a restaurant. He is able to sell his cheap food from portable vehicles, for example, a food booth or a food cart. Moreover, a hawker can ride around the city and sell his food in different places every day.

Street food is very popular all over the world and about two billion people consume it every day. We treat street food as a common and regular phenomenon, however, very few people have ever thought about its origin and history. I will try to observe this issue in detail.

We can definitely say that street food existed in ancient Greece. The most popular meal was fried fish. Ancient Rome had its street food vendors too. I should admit that street foods were consumed by poor citizens. Very few people had an oven or a hearth in their houses. Consequently, they could not cook at home and had to purchase cheap food in the street. The most common meal of that time was soup with bread. When we speak about ancient China, we will say that it was one of the first countries, which had catering. Of course, the poor bought and consumed this food in the street. The rich could afford a servant who bought street food and carried it to their homes.

The standards of street food were not regulated until the first part of the 15th century. The first country, which legalized street food and established its standards, was Turkey. The most popular street meals of Turkey and other Eastern countries were rice, lamb kebab, fried chicken, etc. As you see, meat occupied the leading position in their cuisine.

It is interesting that street food is an international phenomenon. Street vendors sold their food in North and South America. Consequently, street food existed before the colonization of these continents. For example, Aztecs had a developed system of street food. Local vendors sold different kinds of meals. One could buy tamales, which consisted of a great number of ingredients. An average tamale could consist of poultry, maize, frogs, fruit, fish, eggs, etc. When Europeans colonized America, they introduced new ingredients and meals. However, local people continued consuming their traditional street food. It is interesting that street food was banned in New York in the first part of the 18th century. In other parts of the country, people could buy oysters, fruit, nuts, biscuits, cakes, etc. Moreover, street vendors offered coffee and different types of sweets.

Well-known French fries were invented in Paris in the 19th century. At first, French fries were a kind of French street food. Very soon, this meal became popular all over the world. British meals of that time consisted primarily of peas. A famous national Japanese ramen was a common street food in China. However, it became a national dish when Chinese immigrants introduced it in Japan.

Globalization has influenced street food seriously nowadays. Due to the cultural exchange, it is possible to find street foods of all types in every big city in the world. You can find traditional Turkish meal in New York and a common Chinese dish in Dublin. Doubtless, street food has ruined all borders and you are able to satisfy your hunger buying a kebab or German currywurst at a local street vendor.

This essay is written by one of the experts from EffectivePapers.com – a certified paper writing service.

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Consumer Eating Behavior and Opinions about the Food Safety of Street Food in Poland

Associated data.

The data presented in this article is available on reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Street food plays an increasingly important role in the nutrition of the inhabitants of European cities. Our study aimed to analyze Polish consumers’ attitudes toward food offered in street food outlets, consumers’ eating out behavior, and the factors that determine their choice of meals from street food vendors. A survey was conducted of 1300 adult respondents who eat street food in Poland. The research enabled a detailed and comprehensive assessment of consumer behavior toward the use of street food outlets, as well as consumer opinions on vendors’ functioning, including hygiene and meals offered. Factors determining the frequency of street food consumption, preferred food types, and factors influencing the use of such outlets were identified. The most important factors were the quality of services and meals, personal preferences and price. Using cluster analysis, consumer profiles based on the types of street food outlets and food preferred were identified. Four main street food consumer preference profiles were identified: ‘burger-enthusiasts’, ‘kebab-enthusiasts’ and ‘ice-cream enthusiasts’, and ‘no specific-oriented consumers’. The Internet and social media were identified as information and promotion channels for this form of gastronomy. Results also revealed Polish consumer behavior and opinions about the food safety of street food in Poland. In summary, in Poland the habits of eating typical Polish homemade dishes is being replaced by eating meals in street food outlets, which can be classified as fast food. Increasing consumer knowledge and awareness of the quality and safety of street food may counteract improper hygiene practices of sellers.

1. Introduction

Street food terminology defines food and beverages as either ready for direct consumption or not and includes food that is ready-to-eat and food that is minimally processed, prepared and/or sold by vendors and handlers. This is an inexpensive food for all workers of all socio-economic classes and occupations [ 1 , 2 ].

Street food plays an increasingly important role in the food intake of Europeans [ 3 ]. Street food has been historically popular especially in cities of third world and developing countries, for low and middle wage-earning classes of people [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. This form of gastronomy, which has been popular in Asian and African countries and in Latin America for a long time, began to penetrate into Europe and North America with an influx of migrants and European and American tourist trips. It has become a channel of food novelty [ 8 ].

Currently, food-trucks are a restaurant marketing strategy in Brazil and in Paris [ 3 , 9 ]. Street food is an alternative to delivering food to or near places with high traffic, such as schools, parks, gardens, markets, avenues, office buildings, and tourist areas. It allows vendors to implement a unique menu while using simplified techniques for preparing meals and provides an alternative to homemade food. Many authors [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ] have identified features of street food, including practicality, saving time in the preparation of dishes, convenience, seasonality, lack of restrictions, and low costs of entering the market, as well as relatively low meal prices for consumers. Moreover, they are quick alternatives to restaurants, even during late hours after other food establishments are closed. Street food usually represents local culture and traditions [ 10 , 11 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], and the menu is distinguished in each country by its regional specificity.

Due to their locations on the street, the hygienic conditions of preparing and selling food by street vendors are often unacceptable [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Studies about street food focusing on food safety and on vendors’ food safety knowledge and use of hygienic practices, as well as on the microbiological quality of street food products, are still limited to continents such as Africa [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], South America [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], central America [ 29 ], and Asia [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Studies conducted on European street food evaluated the hygiene of street food vendors and the microbiological quality of food products [ 3 , 28 , 31 , 32 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Because of this, current assessments of street vendors are largely based on data from developing countries. Many authors [ 29 , 40 , 41 ] have indicated that vendors are very often poor, uneducated, and unconcerned about the safe handling of foods, and vendors could provide neither proof of food safety training nor a valid license for street trading. Street foods have been implicated in outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, in particular Salmonella infections [ 16 , 33 ], as well as contamination with coliforms [ 34 ], bacterial contaminations, and other infections as a result of transmission from vendors’ [ 29 , 42 , 43 , 44 ].

Due to the poor hygienic conditions and the lack of vendor awareness, foodborne infections from street food occur in both developed and undeveloped countries [ 25 , 45 ]. This is associated with poor food safety knowledge and food safety attitudes, as well as poor hygienic practices of food vendors, which in many cases are associated with the lack of running water facilities, and exposure of utensils and foods to insects and dirt [ 22 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 36 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. In a few cases, hygienic production in street food facilities is not properly established or monitored by national food sanitation groups, especially in developing countries [ 35 , 52 , 53 ]. Despite the food safety practices and requirements for street food in more advanced developed countries [ 54 , 55 ], food-borne illnesses and related risks are experiencing a rise [ 56 ]. This is due to globalization, and a wide variety of ethnic and local foods from throughout the world being sold by street food vendors [ 57 , 58 , 59 ]. Few publications exist referring to street food outlets and their specifications in European countries, especially in Poland, where street food has become popular in the last two decades. Therefore, further research is needed to examine the characteristics and safety of street food, as well as consumer behaviors related to street food in developed economies. Our study fills a research gap in the literature on this topic by investigating Polish customer opinion about street food, taking into consideration food safety, customer eating behavior and preferences, as well as factors determining the choice of street food.

Studies of street food establishments primarily focus on food choices and the frequency of using street food [ 5 , 9 , 11 ], determine the nutritional value and risk of developing diet-related diseases [ 12 , 25 , 52 ], assess the risk of health hazards to consumers [ 15 , 16 , 19 , 24 , 34 , 35 , 44 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Such information rarely reaches consumers and will not influence their behavior. Therefore, it is important to consider a quick, visual assessment of food production and distribution conditions not only by sanitary services, but also by consumers.

Consumers do not exert pressure on street vendors to improve food preparation conditions [ 60 ]. Sanitary inspections are insufficient for ensuring safety. Some authors [ 58 ] suggest that consumers should be aware of the risk of consuming street food. Many Greeks and Poles have been served low-quality meals and have made complaints [ 19 ]. According to Okumus and Sonmez [ 61 ], prior to consuming food, customers should carefully observe whether food truck operators have a license, check the personnel’s hygiene (such as clean hands, clean and short nails, gloves use, covered hair, beard, mustache, and appropriate clothing: apron, uniform), check the temperature of dishes (hot food hot, cold food cold), as well as check the service area for sanitary conditions (including clean table, clean service utensils and garbage container availability). If food is not prepared according to these ‘critical control points’, consumers should avoid consumption there.

Three decades ago in Poland, people usually ate homemade meals. Currently, the lifestyle and habits of consumers have changed and influenced foodservice sector development. Among other factors, global trends such as demographic changes (growth of 1–2 members households), economic changes (average household income growth), as well as consumers’ knowledge growth (on topics: food, nutrition, health) have all contributed to changes in consumer food consumption [ 62 ]

Over the two last decades, the amount of money in Polish households allocated to catering services has increased, and the share of food spending and total expenditure doubled, despite the amount being low. The average individual Polish spend on food out of home varies between 26.2 PLN (about 8$ in 2013) to 60.20 PLN (about 16.5$ in 2015), which accounted for 8.5% of their total food budget and 1.9–3.0% (2015–2020) of the total consumption expenditures. For 27 European Union (EU) countries the average share of consumption expenditure equals 7%. The share of household expenditure devoted to catering services was the largest in Ireland (14.4%), Spain (13.0%), Malta (12.6%) and Greece (12.4%), but the lowest in Poland (only 3% in 2017). This indicates a low preference of Poles to eat away from home [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ].

Therefore, our research aimed to analyze consumer attitudes toward street food (kiosks, stalls, food trucks) and eating out behavior, as well as the factors determining the choice of meals in street food outlets.

The following research questions were formulated:

• What are the motives (factors) of consumers choosing street food outlets?
• What consumer profiles can be identified according to the frequency of using street food outlets?
• How do consumers evaluate street food outlets in terms of food, including food quality, service, and hygiene?

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. data collection.

We designed a questionnaire based on available questionnaires [ 66 , 67 ] and our previous research related to street food [ 3 ]. The questionnaire was assessed by determining its repeatability. The reliability of the questionnaire was validated using its internal consistency. Cronbach’s alpha test was used to measure internal consistency and reliability. Cronbach alpha coefficient was above 0.7, which indicated acceptable internal consistency. Therefore, the questionnaire and scale used is valid. A pretest of the questionnaire was performed through a pilot study ( n = 12) within the population of interest. This group was not added to the main research. All problems were identified, and the questionnaire was completed and corrected. The data were collected by the authors using the PAPI (pen-and-paper interview) method.

Inclusion criteria of respondents for main study were as follows:

• Each respondent who agreed to participate in the survey was invited to complete the questionnaire. If necessary, explanations were provided.
• Everyone, independent of age, using the offer of the street food did not suffer from diseases requiring a special menu offer.

The exclusion criterion of respondents was people who don’t use street food outlets. The participants in the study were a convenient sample of consumers. They were free to participate in the questionnaire.

The questionnaire consisted of two parts ( Appendix A , Table A1 ). The first part of the questionnaire included nine questions, relating to consumer behavior in various street food facilities and consumer attitudes toward food offered in those places. Consumer behavior was analyzed based on the frequency of use of street food outlets, factors influencing the use of those facilities, choice of street food products, assessment of hygienic factors in the outlets, and customers opinion of the street food. The second part of the questionnaire was related to respondent sociodemographic details: gender, age, education, dwelling place, respondents self-reported financial status.

2.2. Data Analysis

The statistical analysis of the results was performed using Statistica software (version 13.3 PL; StatSoft Inc., Krakow, Poland). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and multi-dimensional cluster analysis were used. Significance of differences between the values was determined at a significance level of p < 0.05.

A multi-dimensional cluster analysis calculation- was performed: hierarchical cluster analysis. The goal of our cluster analysis calculation was to build a tree diagram where the answers given by participants were most similar in a specific cluster. In order to avoid high correlated variables distortions on results, the variance inflation factor (VIF) has been calculated for the possibility of using cluster analysis. For cluster validation statistics we used internal measures for cluster validation, e.g., the matrix and Euclidean distance. The Ward method, as a hierarchical clustering method, was used to create groups, where the variance within the groups is minimized. We used the cluster analysis to determine consumer profiles based on the reasons for using and not using street food outlets and their opinions about these. In the cluster analysis of consumer opinion profiles, features such as price, service, hygiene, promotion, organization, and quality were taken into account, as well as individual component variables.

3.1. Characteristics of Respondents

The characteristics of the respondents are presented in Table 1 ; 1300 people, including 54.2% of women, took part in the study. The study included young females and men between the age range of 19 and 30 years (70.2%) with secondary (52%) and higher education (39.5%), living in cities. Participants mainly reported ‘very good’ and ‘good’ financial status (60.2%). A smaller percentage of the respondents declared their financial status as ‘not good, not bad’ (29.6%), and as ‘bad’ (10.2%). Street food was used by all respondents.

Characteristic of respondents.

3.2. Use of Street Food Outlets by Polish Consumers

Many respondents ( n = 1131, 87%) regularly used street food services. The others ( n = 169, 13%) used this form of gastronomy occasionally, e.g., at street food festivals, outdoor events, etc. A statistically significant influence of gender ( p = 0.00076), age ( p = 0.00006), education ( p = 0.0031), dwelling place ( p = 0.00016), and financial status ( p = 0.00001) on using street food outlets was found. This form of gastronomy is significantly more often used by men, people aged 19–30 years, with lower than secondary education, living in the countryside or in cities up to 250,000 of residents, and a ‘bad’ financial status.

The respondents visited street food outlets with varying frequency. This form of catering was used by a small percentage of consumers every day and four or five times a week ( n = 73, 5.6% and n = 179, 13.8%, respectively). The highest percentage of respondents visited two or three times a week ( n = 309, 23.8%) and once a week ( n = 216, 16.6%). The remaining respondents chose these facilities less frequently: once a month ( n = 182, 14%), once every 2 or 3 months ( n = 213, 16.4%) or less often ( n = 128, 9.9%). The frequency of using this form of gastronomy depended on gender ( p = 0.00011), age ( p = 0.000001), education ( p = 0.00014), dwelling place ( p = 0.00006) and financial status ( p = 0.000001). Men, and people under the age of 18 years, with the lowest education, living in the countryside or in small towns, and with a ’bad’ financial status used this form of eating outside the home significantly more often, visiting this type of facility every day or several times a week. It is probably the cheapest form of dining away for them when they are at school or at work.

The choice of street food depended on gender ( p = 0.0010), age ( p = 0.000001), education ( p = 0.000001), financial situation ( p = 0.00001), and dwelling place ( p = 0.0014).

Based on the cluster analysis, the profiles of preferences of consumers using street food were determined ( Figure 1 ). Four profiles were identified:

• - burger-enthusiasts (I), young consumers (aged 19–30 years), mainly men, highly educated, with ‘good’ and ‘very good’ financial status (26.6%, p = 0.05) who used street food for three or four times a week;
• - kebab-enthusiasts (II), young respondents (aged 19–30 years), mainly men (22.6%, p = 0.05), who used street food for three or four times a week;
• - ice-cream enthusiasts (III), consumers with various sociodemographic groups (13.3%, p = 0.05), who used street food once a month;
• - no specific-oriented consumers (IV), respondents, mainly women, secondary educated, who used street food with different frequency.

Consumers’ street food profile taking into consideration meals (* percentage of responses; others—Asian, Italian, Tex-Mex meals or just places with good food).

Consumers consumed burgers ( n = 346, 27%), kebabs ( n = 294, 22%) and ice cream ( n = 173, 14%) most often. Other consumer profiles were represented by small groups of respondents (between n = 39 to n = −99, between 3% to 8%).

3.3. Reasons for Using Out-of-Home Eating and Choosing Catering Establishments

Among the reasons for eating outside the home, respondents mentioned social gatherings, convenience, reluctance to prepare meals oneself, and discovering new flavors ( Table 2 ).

Reasons for using out-of-home eating.

Scale: 1—definitely do not agree, 2—moderately do not agree, 3—undecided; 4—moderately agree, 5—definitely agree; SD—standard deviation.

The respondents use various sources when choosing a catering establishment. Most often these were the opinions of friends, family ( n = 425, 32.69%), or social networking sites and internet forums ( n = 399, 30.69%). They also used websites with restaurant reviews ( n = 180, 13.85%), articles on the Internet ( n = 137, 10.54%), articles in the local press and in weeklies ( n = 47, 3.62%), blogs ( n = 72, 5.54%), and others ( n = 40, 3.08%). The following other sources were listed: TV and advertisements such as leaflets, folders, phone applications, radio, advertising on the roads, vlogs, Google Maps, and the website streetfoodpolska.pl. The choice of the source of information about catering establishments depended on gender ( p = 0.00001), age ( p = 0.000001), education ( p = 0.000001), dwelling place ( p = 0.0001), and financial situation ( p = 0.000001).

Based on the results and cluster analysis, the factors indicated by the respondents were grouped into factors that determine ( Figure 2 a) and discourage consumers ( Figure 2 b) from choosing catering establishments. Factors from both groups were divided into four clusters of factors, of which factors in groups I and II were high or medium decision power, while factors from groups III and IV had a little influence on consumer decisions. The choice of a catering establishment was determined by the following factors: I—preferences and quality, II—economic and food safety, III—socio-economic, and IV—operational. Among discouraging factors for visiting catering establishments, the following were distinguished: I—quality factor, II—economic and hygiene factors, III—location of premises factor, and IV—operational factors.

Factors determining ( a ) and discouraging ( b ) the selection of street food outlets (* factor importance on a 5-point scale, ** consumer % answer on the factor importance).

The most important factor determining the selection of establishments was the preferences and quality factor, which took into account the quality of services and personal preferences (score 4.2 on a 5-point scale). Similarly, the most important discouraging factor was the quality factor. It was indicated by over 65% of consumers. Other components of individual factors in both groups are presented in Figure 2 a,b. The figure also shows the results of the scoring scale calculations for determining factors and the percentage of consumer responses when disincentives are present.

The presence of the ‘preferences and quality’ factor in decisions for choosing a catering establishment is confirmed by the calculations of descriptive statistics, i.e., mean, SD, and medians. In the case of the expectation of the quality of service and the satisfaction of an individual’s own preferences (factor I, Figure 2 a), the obtained mean was the highest and the median equal to the highest value of the scale (mean = 4.20, SD = 1.09, median = 5.0; and mean = 4.19, SD = 1.13, median = 5.0, respectively).

As a discouraging factor, over 65% of consumers (SD = 4.75) have indicated ‘quality’ (factor I, Figure 2 b). The factor moderately influencing the choice of premises was the ‘economic and food safety’ factor (factor II, Figure 2 a). The mean of the components of this factor was smaller and ranged between 3.50–3.71 (median 4.0). High price, along with the lack of hygiene and the quality of service, was a factor that moderately discouraged people from visiting the premises again (mean 15.5% of responses, SD = 3.8), and is labelled ‘economic and hygiene’ (factor II, Figure 2 b).

The other factors, i.e., ‘socio-economic’ and ‘operational’ (factor III and IV, Figure 2 a), had a slight influence on consumer decisions (mean = 2.88, SD = 1.23, medians 2–3). Similarly, factors of social significance, i.e., ‘location of the outlets’ and ‘operational factors’ (factor III and IV, Figure 2 b), were not-important in decisions to re-visit the premises (mean 4.1% of responses, SD = 3.0).

3.4. Consumer Opinion about Street Food Outlets

When asked for their opinion on street food establishments, the respondents agreed that this is a new type of cuisine which is becoming more and more popular (median 4, Table 3 ). They perceive these establishments as different than fast food, but in their opinion, it is neither a healthier version of fast food, nor a cheaper offering (median 3, Table 3 ). According to them, this type of catering establishment has good hygiene and food quality similar to typical catering establishments. However, the consumer opinions presented in our study, in most of the responses was between ‘undecided’ and ‘moderately agree’. Respondents did not agree with the following statements: ‘unnecessary outlets that worsen the image of the city’; ‘facilities with a low hygiene level’ and that ‘food quality worse than in typical (non-street) catering establishments’. It should be mentioned that statements used in our questionnaire were based on the literature, consumer opinions presented on the Internet, and on preliminary research.

Consumer opinion about street food outlets.

1: definitely do not agree; 2: moderately do not agree; 3: undecided; 4: moderately agree; 5: definitely agree.

The respondents ( n = 397, 30.5%) sometimes complained about the quality of the dishes. A small group of respondents ( n = 148, 11.4%) very often reported complaints about catering services. Other respondents almost never ( n = 483, 37.2%) and never ( n = 272, 20.9%) made any complaint about the quality of the dishes. Complaint about food quality depended on the age ( p = 0.00001), education ( p = 0.000001), dwelling place ( p = 0.00181), and financial situation ( p = 0.000001) of the respondents. People aged 31–55 years, with vocational and elementary education, living in cities of up to 250,000 inhabitants, and with ’bad’ financial situations made complaints significantly more often.

Consumers’ opinion on hygiene in street food outlets was examined ( Table 4 ). The questions inquired about the necessary hygiene requirements in food production and the requirements specified in the Codex Alimentarius [ 68 ].

The opinion of consumers about the sanitary conditions of street food facilities.

* References to criteria of assessment regarding Regulation (EC) 852/2004 [ 69 ].

Although the respondents were not experienced hygiene auditors, based on their observations regarding the recently visited street food outlet, they indicated irregularities in the field of hygiene, specifically in the areas of personal hygiene of staff, hygiene conditions of food production, as well as hygiene of food production and distribution ( Table 4 ).

In the respondents’ opinion, employees of street food outlets did not protect hands from injuries (79.5% responses). They wore jewelry on their hands during work (51%), and they had no or did not change disposable gloves frequently enough (41.5%). They touched their face, hair, nose, or ears during food production (40%); had no protection from their long hair (32.2%) while working with food; had inadequate working clothes (30.5%); and the payment process was not properly separated from food production (28.7%). Based on the observations of the respondents, it can be said that the personal hygiene of street vendors was not fully compliant with hygiene standards.

The respondents noticed irregularities in the hygiene conditions of food production as follows: overflowing waste bin in the production area (86.7% responses) and the presence of employees’ personal items (phones, bags) in the production area (44.7%).

In the area of hygiene of food production and distribution processes, the respondents noticed that ready-to-eat products and wasted ones were not separately stored (79.2%), and they observed unauthorized people in the production areas (38.9%).

4. Discussion

4.1. use of street food outlets by polish consumers.

Culinary preferences and eating habits have changed over time and are inextricably linked with human history. However, globalization is accelerating the pace of these changes more than in previous centuries. Economic progress, development of food techniques, and technology have brought many benefits, among them the speed of work and rest as well as the speed and convenience of obtaining and preparing a meal. On the other hand, living in a hurry, eating ‘ad hoc’ food or fast food, often non-compliant with the nutritionists’ recommendations, and diet-related diseases are a consequence of cultural change. Changes in eating habits occur not only between generations, but also among those who change their current model of nutrition to a new one in a relatively short time. The main causes of change in dietary preferences are factors such as migration, new ways of processing and storing food, international trade development, increases in levels of wealth, changes in family functioning, an increase in environmental awareness, fashion, etc. [ 8 ].

Globalization causes the culinary traditions to be transferred from one place (region, country) to another. However, it can be a kind of threat, leading to the universalization of eating habits and the disappearance of local culinary traditions [ 70 ]. Poland is such a case, where the habits of eating typical Polish homemade dishes are replaced by gastronomy meals, which are very often eaten in fast-food establishments.

The interest in, and increased use of, catering services in Poland is due not only to having insufficient time to prepare meals, but also individuals lacking skills to prepare them, greater women’s involvement in professional work and returning home late with too many professional duties outside the home, an increase of 1–2 person households, as well as the increased income of Poles [ 71 ].

Catering establishments take advantage of consumers’ interest in eating out and adjust their offerings to various social groups and their expectations and financial capacity. The constant rush and lack of time to eat and prepare a meal, as well as the relatively high cost of meals in traditional gastronomy, are the factors contributing to street gastronomy gaining popularity in Poland. Because it is mobile, it can reach consumers directly and offer simple dishes close to workplaces, tourist attractions, and other frequently visited places. All respondents participating in our research used street food services, 87% of which did so regularly.

This is a result of the growing popularity of street food not only in Poland but all over Europe [ 3 ]. In Poland, the growth of street food outlets is fostered by various types of outdoor, tourist and cultural and entertainment events, as well as sports and recreation events, which attract customers and usually take place in places without permanent catering establishments [ 8 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ].

In the group of consumers assessed, the choice of burgers and kebabs dominated, having become very popular. This is one example of the transfer of eating habits from one culture to another. In Poland, street food, especially offered in food trucks, plays an important role in promoting the cuisine of other countries, often for exotic-craving Poles. The average Polish consumer, when dealing with street food dishes, has the opportunity to learn new tastes, which may have an impact on changing current culinary preferences.

Owners of street food outlets develop their own gastronomic activity based on their impression of and fascination with other cultures and cuisines. For example, ‘Carnitas Food Truck’ (in Warsaw) specializes in street food typical for Mexican cuisine such as tacos, burritos with salsas chili habanero, chipotle, and guacamole. The food truck ‘La Chica Sandwicheria’ (in Warsaw) specializes in food typical of Cuban cuisine. Sometimes globalization of cuisine is seen in examples such as the food truck ‘Pepe Crepe’ (in Warsaw) that offered Japanese-style crepes that are not traditional but contemporary, globalized versions of crepes. Street food is offered at many culinary festivals in Poland, such as Slow Weekend and Asian Street Food Fest [ 8 ]. As research [ 8 ] indicates, the majority of people visiting street food festivals are people aged 20–30, sometimes with small children.

Respondents used street food usually two or three times a week and once a week. Our results are similar to the results of Kowalczuk [ 78 ], who has shown in her research that an average Pole ( n = 1013) visits foodservice outlets once a month, with the individuals being slightly more often men and far more often young people, and those with middle and higher income. People with secondary and higher education benefit more commonly from food services, including school and university students and white-collar workers, who live in large cities. It should be mentioned that participants in our study were mainly people under 30 years of age (about 85%), with secondary and higher education (91.5%), and who lived in a big city (about 70%).

Based on the analysis of clusters due to the choice of menu, preferences of street food consumers were identified in our study. They are: ‘burger-enthusiasts’, ‘kebab-enthusiasts’, ‘ice-cream enthusiasts’, and ‘non-specified-oriented consumers’. Levytska and Kwiatkowska [ 79 ] have indicated that Polish consumers are changing preferences for foodservice outlets (from fast-food outlets to casual dining restaurants and quick service restaurants—QSR), and change preferences for menu offerings. According to those authors, Poles have begun to choose foods with reduced energy value (light), foods with a modified composition of nutrients and functional foods (with proven, beneficial effects on health), organic food, and conventionally produced food. But as stated in our study, consumers of street food preferred fast food products like burgers, kebabs, ice-creams, and occasionally other food like Asian, Italian, and Tex-Mex cuisines. Very similar results were obtained by Kolanowski et al. [ 19 ] among Polish and Greek consumers. Greeks preferred pizza and creperies while Poles preferred pizza and kebab. This is in line with the characteristics presented by Kowalczuk [ 78 ], who divided modern Polish consumers into three groups by interests: ‘health and safety’, ‘convenience’, ‘pleasure and experience-seeking’. Polish and Italian cuisines are types of cuisine and dishes that Polish consumers preferred. Younger respondents are also open to dishes from other countries (Chinese, Greek, Turkish, Japanese). Meat dishes and hot snacks like burgers and kebabs are the most preferred, cold snacks and vegetarian dishes are the least popular [ 62 , 74 , 75 , 76 ].

4.2. Reasons for Using Out-of-Home Eating and Choosing Catering Establishments

Street food consumers mentioned the following main reasons for eating outside the home: getting to know new tastes, socializing, convenience and lack of time, celebrating special occasions, and reluctance to prepare dishes on their own. Other authors have also pointed out reasons such as convenience and saving time [ 62 ].

The main reasons for consumers using catering outlets are the taste of dishes, reasonable prices, convenience, and saving time, while the main barrier is a lack of money. Consumers tend to spend more money in catering outlets per month than in the past [ 62 ], and the amount largely depends on the income level, but also age, education, and place of residence. The reason for the occasional use of catering services is also based on the common Polish belief that home-cooked meals are healthier.

Polish respondents use a variety of sources when choosing a catering establishment, including street food outlets. Most often these are the opinions of friends and family, social networks and Internet forums, websites with restaurant reviews, articles on the Internet and articles in the press, blogs, and others. This is a typical behavior in the era of globalization. It has been observed that the following mass media sources play an important role in promoting catering services and influencing culinary tastes in Poland: daily press, weeklies and monthly magazines, television (travel programs available in Poland: ‘Travel Channel’, ‘National Geographic Channel’, ‘Planete+’), and especially the Internet (social networks, blogs, etc.) [ 8 ]. According to market reports [ 76 , 80 ] the main sources of information about food services are friends and family, while half of the respondents have also pointed to the Internet, including social media.

Among the factors in our study determining the selection of catering establishments, the most important role was played by ‘preferences and quality’ and ‘economic and food safety’. The most important discouraging factors were ‘quality’ and ‘economic and hygiene factors’.

According to market reports [ 76 , 81 ], respondents considered unpalatable food as the most discouraging factor from visiting establishments again. Another reason was the lack of hygiene in the outlets. Other disincentives were shown by Kolanowski et al. [ 19 ] and differed depending on the country of the study, i.e., in Poland, it was a strange taste of dishes, poor services, and lack of hygiene, and in Greece, lack of cleanliness and price. The results of our research confirm previous research and allow us to conclude that consumers are paying more attention to the quality of prepared meals and the hygienic condition of catering establishments.

4.3. Consumer Opinion about Street Food Outlets

The form of street food in Poland is typical in developed countries [ 82 ]. Despite the fact that results of various studies [ 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ] have indicated that Polish consumers prefer typically Polish dishes, in our study in street food outlets, they mainly order burgers and kebabs, which are classified as fast food, as well as ice cream as a dessert. It should be emphasized, however, that the products offered are often original dishes, prepared according to proprietary recipes by the owners or employees of the street food outlets. These are high-energy products and are not recommended by dietitians. The Makro Cash and Carry market report [ 75 ] shows that the most popular dishes among Polish street food offerings are kebabs (50%, n = 1000), pancakes (32%), casseroles with bread (31%), burgers (30%, n = 1000), and Belgian fries (11%, n = 1000).

Various authors have tried to characterize the most popular dishes found in mobile gastronomy in developing countries [ 83 ] and found them to be typical, local, and very diverse dishes, derived from the regions in which they are sold. Other authors [ 84 , 85 ] have described the most popular meals sold by street food vendors in Europe. They identified pancakes in France and Italy, sausage and yeast dough in the Czech Republic, and chicken dishes, pancakes with meat, and quail eggs in Spain.

These results are similar to those of other authors. Different studies state that street food meals are characterized by low nutritional value and contain large amounts of carbohydrates and fats, especially saturated fats [ 86 ], and street sweets and sweet beverages are products with a high levels of ingredients like sugar, saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, and salt [ 83 , 87 , 88 ].

Moreover, many studies [ 83 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 ] have shown that despite good nutritional behavior, consumers using street food services had lower dietary diversity than consumers using fast food. In studies by Buscemi et al. [ 37 ] conducted in Palermo (Italy), it was found that people who use street food more often have a significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, cholesterol level, and serum uric acid levels than consumers who use this type of gastronomy less frequently.

According to Nonato et al. [ 86 ], street food gastronomy can be a source of food safety problems, contributing to the development of food-borne diseases and chronic diet-related diseases, especially among consumers who frequently use street food services. However, according to Kolanowski et al. [ 19 ], it may be a source of physical hazard, like other food products [ 93 ].

Most respondents have a positive opinion of street food outlets. Consumers do not consider them to be a cheap way of eating meals and do not agree with the statement that these are premises with a low level of hygiene. They believe that such meals are as safe as those offered in stationary premises.

Although the greatest problems and the greatest negligence related to ensuring food safety occur in developing countries, this does not mean that in Europe and the U.S. [ 31 , 32 , 38 , 39 , 94 ] that the handling of food is flawlessly safe. In a study by Trafialek et al. [ 38 ], attention was drawn to the fact that establishments specializing in street food gastronomy do not have clean running water, have limited space for proper food storage, have employees who mishandle waste generated during technological processes, and lack proper staff hygiene.

In street food outlets, meals are prepared in the presence of consumers. It is worth disseminating the results of similar studies among a wide audience to increase food safety awareness among consumers. Consumers are able to enforce proper food safety and should react to non-compliance with hygiene rules. The situation reported in Ghana is not recommended [ 95 ]. Despite knowing the health risks of eating contaminated street food, local consumers eagerly used food street services and did not expect an improvement in food hygiene production.

Limitations

This study has some limitations in terms of both its methodology and its applicability. The sample selected for the study consisted mainly of young adults between 19 and 30 years; therefore, caution should be exercised in attempting to generalize the results to an entire population. In addition, the study was conducted only in large cities in Poland. Consumers’ perceptions and behavior may be different in other places. Another limitation is that the consumers of street food were from only one country. Despite the limitations, the results obtained are of practical importance, especially for food safety authorities and street food vendors and owners.

5. Conclusions

The forms of street food in Poland are forms typical in other developed countries, as evidenced by the identified consumer profiles. About half of the respondents were ‘kebab- and burger-enthusiasts’. Similar factors affect the behavior of Polish consumers regarding the choice of street food outlets and the lack of willingness to re-use this form of meal outside the home. Consumers’ preferences, pro-quality factors, such as quality of services, quality of meals, hygiene, and food safety, and economic factors, such as the price of a meal, are of primary importance.

The opinion of the surveyed consumers about food street outlets was not always positive. Consumers commented on many aspects of sanitary conditions of street food facilities, such as personal hygiene, hygiene conditions of food production, as well as hygiene of food production and distribution. For these reasons, the presented research is of practical importance for managers of these facilities and official quality control.

The results of the study can also be helpful for street food entrepreneurs because of the indicated identified promotion channels. It has been shown that the Internet is an important source of information on catering establishments, and social networking sites play a large role in consumer traffic and can be used for promotional purposes, practically without generating costs.

The quality of dishes, the quality of service, and hygiene are the factors that make consumers use a catering establishment. Constantly increasing consumer awareness in terms of proper nutrition and proper hygiene of food production may contribute to the improvement of quality in street food outlets.

Good sources that can encourage hygienic awareness by consumers come primarily from mass media, including the Internet and the website of sanitary inspections. Consumers should be made aware that proper food quality is both an appropriate nutritional value related to good manufacturing practice (GMP) and a result of food safety related to good hygiene practice (GHP). Consumer knowledge regarding what they should take into consideration when buying street food can be more effective than control and can better counteract improper hygiene practices of vendors.

The solution could be to create a street food digital application in which consumers could find information about street food and its nutritional value, but also could share their opinions on offerings, including their quality and observed production hygiene.

The questionnaire used in the study.

Author Contributions

M.W.—conceptualization, methodology, validation, investigation, writing—original draft preparation; E.C.-S.—conceptualization, methodology, validation, investigation, writing—original draft preparation, supervision, and writing—review and editing; E.C.-S.—investigation; J.T.—data curation, writing—original draft preparation. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

This research was financed by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education within funds of Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS) for scientific research.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study protocol was registered and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW (Warsaw, Poland) on 31 August 2020 (Resolution No. 35/2020).

Informed Consent Statement

All participants signed the informed consent form before the data collection.

Data Availability Statement

Conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Mental health effects of poverty, hunger, and homelessness on children and teens

Rising inflation and an uncertain economy are deeply affecting the lives of millions of Americans, particularly those living in low-income communities. It may seem impossible for a family of four to survive on just over $27,000 per year or a single person on just over $15,000, but that’s what millions of people do everyday in the United States. Approximately 37.9 million Americans, or just under 12%, now live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

Additional data from the Bureau show that children are more likely to experience poverty than people over the age of 18. Approximately one in six kids, 16% of all children, live in families with incomes below the official poverty line.

Those who are poor face challenges beyond a lack of resources. They also experience mental and physical issues at a much higher rate than those living above the poverty line. Read on for a summary of the myriad effects of poverty, homelessness, and hunger on children and youth. And for more information on APA’s work on issues surrounding socioeconomic status, please see the Office of Socioeconomic Status .

Who is most affected?

Poverty rates are disproportionately higher among most non-White populations. Compared to 8.2% of White Americans living in poverty, 26.8% of American Indian and Alaska Natives, 19.5% of Blacks, 17% of Hispanics and 8.1% of Asians are currently living in poverty.

Similarly, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous children are overrepresented among children living below the poverty line. More specifically, 35.5% of Black people living in poverty in the U.S. are below the age of 18. In addition, 40.7% of Hispanic people living below the poverty line in the U.S. are younger than age 18, and 29.1% of American Indian and Native American children lived in poverty in 2018. In contrast, approximately 21% of White people living in poverty in the U.S. are less than 18 years old.

Furthermore, families with a female head of household are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to families with a male head of household. Twenty-three percent of female-headed households live in poverty compared to 11.4% of male-headed households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

What are the effects of poverty on children and teens?

The impact of poverty on young children is significant and long lasting. Poverty is associated with substandard housing, hunger, homelessness, inadequate childcare, unsafe neighborhoods, and under-resourced schools. In addition, low-income children are at greater risk than higher-income children for a range of cognitive, emotional, and health-related problems, including detrimental effects on executive functioning, below average academic achievement, poor social emotional functioning, developmental delays, behavioral problems, asthma, inadequate nutrition, low birth weight, and higher rates of pneumonia.

Psychological research also shows that living in poverty is associated with differences in structural and functional brain development in children and adolescents in areas related to cognitive processes that are critical for learning, communication, and academic achievement, including social emotional processing, memory, language, and executive functioning.

Children and families living in poverty often attend under-resourced, overcrowded schools that lack educational opportunities, books, supplies, and appropriate technology due to local funding policies. In addition, families living below the poverty line often live in school districts without adequate equal learning experiences for both gifted and special needs students with learning differences and where high school dropout rates are high .

What are the effects of hunger on children and teens?

One in eight U.S. households with children, approximately 12.5%, could not buy enough food for their families in 2021 , considerably higher than the rate for households without children (9.4%). Black (19.8%) and Latinx (16.25%) households are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity, with food insecurity rates in 2021 triple and double the rate of White households (7%), respectively.

Research has found that hunger and undernutrition can have a host of negative effects on child development. For example, maternal undernutrition during pregnancy increases the risk of negative birth outcomes, including premature birth, low birth weight, smaller head size, and lower brain weight. In addition, children experiencing hunger are at least twice as likely to report being in fair or poor health and at least 1.4 times more likely to have asthma, compared to food-secure children.

The first three years of a child’s life are a period of rapid brain development. Too little energy, protein and nutrients during this sensitive period can lead to lasting deficits in cognitive, social and emotional development . School-age children who experience severe hunger are at increased risk for poor mental health and lower academic performance , and often lag behind their peers in social and emotional skills .

What are the effects of homelessness on children and teens?

Approximately 1.2 million public school students experienced homelessness during the 2019-2020 school year, according to the National Center for Homeless Education (PDF, 1.4MB) . The report also found that students of color experienced homelessness at higher proportions than expected based on the overall number of students. Hispanic and Latino students accounted for 28% of the overall student body but 38% of students experiencing homelessness, while Black students accounted for 15% of the overall student body but 27% of students experiencing homelessness. While White students accounted for 46% of all students enrolled in public schools, they represented 26% of students experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness can have a tremendous impact on children, from their education, physical and mental health, sense of safety, and overall development. Children experiencing homelessness frequently need to worry about where they will live, their pets, their belongings, and other family members. In addition, homeless children are less likely to have adequate access to medical and dental care, and may be affected by a variety of health challenges due to inadequate nutrition and access to food, education interruptions, trauma, and disruption in family dynamics.

In terms of academic achievement, students experiencing homelessness are more than twice as likely to be chronically absent than non-homeless students , with greater rates among Black and Native American or Alaska Native students. They are also more likely to change schools multiple times and to be suspended—especially students of color.

Further, research shows that students reporting homelessness have higher rates of victimization, including increased odds of being sexually and physically victimized, and bullied. Student homelessness correlates with other problems, even when controlling for other risks. They experienced significantly greater odds of suicidality, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior, and poor grades in school.

What can you do to help children and families experiencing poverty, hunger, and homelessness?

There are many ways that you can help fight poverty in America. You can:

• Volunteer your time with charities and organizations that provide assistance to low-income and homeless children and families.
• Donate money, food, and clothing to homeless shelters and other charities in your community.
• Donate school supplies and books to underresourced schools in your area.
• Improve access to physical, mental, and behavioral health care for low-income Americans by eliminating barriers such as limitations in health care coverage.
• Create a “safety net” for children and families that provides real protection against the harmful effects of economic insecurity.
• Increase the minimum wage, affordable housing and job skills training for low-income and homeless Americans.
• Intervene in early childhood to support the health and educational development of low-income children.
• Provide support for low-income and food insecure children such as Head Start , the National School Lunch Program , and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) .
• Increase resources for public education and access to higher education.
• Support research on poverty and its relationship to health, education, and well-being.
• Resolution on Poverty and SES
• Pathways for addressing deep poverty
• APA Deep Poverty Initiative

Food Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on food.

Food is the basic human need to stay alive. Moreover, it is the need of every living organism . Therefore it is important that we should not waste food. Our world consists of different types of cultures. These cultures have varieties of dishes of food in them.

Thus, all the dishes have different taste. Furthermore, our nature provides us a variety of food. From fruits to vegetables, from Dairy food to seafood everything is available. Different countries have their own specialty of dishes. Therefore some of them are below:

World-famous Cuisines

Italian Cuisines – Italian cuisines is one of the most popular cuisines around the world. Moreover, it is widely available in our India too. Dishes like pizza, pasta, and lasagna own a special place in the hearts’ of people.

Furthermore, restaurants like Dominos and Pizza hut are available all over the country. People of every age love the taste of these Italian dishes. Also, Italian dishes are famous for their’ cheese filling. Every dish is load with cheese. Which enhances the taste of these Italian dishes.

Indian cuisine – Indian cuisine is always filled with a lot of herbs and spices. Furthermore, the specialty of Indian dishes is, it is always filled with curries. Whether veg or non-veg the dishes are in curry form. Moreover, Indian cuisine has so many varieties of food that has further branches. The Branch consists of Mughal cuisine which is mostly of non-vegetarian dishes. Also, almost every Indian love Muglia dishes.

Chinese Cuisine – Chinese cuisine in India is also very popular. There are many Chinese theme-based restaurants here. Moreover, in these restaurants Chinese are preferable chefs because they can only give the perfect Chinese blend. Chinese cuisines have a wide variety of dishes. Some of them are Chinese noodles, fried rice, Dumplings, etc. Dumplings have a different name here. They go by the name of momos in India and people love the taste of it.

These were some of the favorites of Indian people. Moreover, these are in almost every part of the city. You can find it anywhere, whether be it in 5-star restaurants or at the side of the street as street foods.

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Importance of Food in Our Life

We cannot deny the importance of food in our lives. As it is the basic need to survive. Yet some people waste not thinking that there are still some people that do not get any of it. We should always be careful while taking a meal on our plates.

In other words, we should take only that much that our stomach can allow. Or else there will be wasting of food . In India there are many people living in slums, they do not have proper shelter. Moreover, they are not able to have even a one-time meal. They starve for days and are always in a state of sickness.

Many children are there on roads who are laboring to get a daily meal. After seeing conditions like these people should not dare to waste food. Moreover, we should always provide food to the needy ones as much as we can.

Q1. Name any two different types of cuisines available in India.

A1. The two different types of cuisines available in India are Italian and Chinese cuisine. These are famous apart from Indian cuisine.

Q2. How can we not waste food?

A2. You cannot waste food by taking only a sufficient amount of it. Moreover, people should seal pack the leftover food and give it to the beggars. So that they can at least stay healthy and not starve.

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development .

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy , with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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THE BEST Elektrostal Art Museums

Art museums in elektrostal.

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1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

Essay on Importance of Food

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Food in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Food

The vital role of food.

Food plays a crucial role in our lives. It provides us with the energy we need to carry out our daily activities. We cannot survive without food, as it is the fuel for our body.

Nutrition and Growth

Nutrition is essential for growth, especially in children. It helps in building strong bones and muscles. A balanced diet ensures we get all the nutrients required for healthy growth.

Food and Health

Eating healthy food helps prevent diseases. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains boost our immunity, keeping us healthy and strong. It’s important to eat a variety of foods for overall wellbeing.

Food and Culture

Food also brings people together. It’s a vital part of our culture and traditions, helping us connect with our roots and each other. Every culture has unique dishes that reflect its history and lifestyle.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Food

Introduction.

Food is the fundamental necessity of life. It provides us with the energy to carry out daily tasks, supports our immune system, and contributes to the healthy functioning of our body and mind. Understanding the importance of food transcends beyond the realm of basic sustenance and delves into the realms of health, culture, and socio-economic dynamics.

Nutrition and Health

Food is the primary source of nutrients that our bodies need to function effectively. It provides us with carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle development, fats for cell function, and vitamins and minerals for immune support and other essential bodily functions. A balanced diet can prevent malnutrition and a multitude of health issues, emphasizing the importance of food in maintaining good health.

Cultural Significance

Food also carries cultural significance. It is an integral part of traditions, rituals, and celebrations, reflecting the unique identity of different cultures. Food brings people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Economic Implication

On a larger scale, food plays a pivotal role in the economy. The food industry generates employment, contributes to GDP, and is a significant factor in trade relations between countries. Moreover, food security is a critical aspect of national security, underlining the strategic importance of food.

In conclusion, food is much more than mere sustenance. It is a vital cog in the wheel of life, impacting our health, culture, and economy. Understanding the importance of food can lead us towards a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable world.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Food

Introduction: the necessity of food, the biological importance of food.

Food is the primary source of energy for all organisms. The human body needs a variety of nutrients to function optimally, and these nutrients are obtained from the food we consume. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are all critical for various biological processes. For instance, proteins are essential for tissue repair and muscle growth, carbohydrates provide energy, fats serve as energy storage, and vitamins and minerals are crucial for several metabolic activities.

Food and Physical Health

The link between food and physical health is undeniable. A well-balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Conversely, poor dietary choices can lead to obesity, malnutrition, and various health complications. Therefore, understanding the nutritional value of food and making informed dietary choices is crucial for maintaining physical health.

Food and Mental Health

Food and cultural significance.

Food also holds significant cultural and social value. It is an integral part of our cultural identity and heritage. Different cultures have unique cuisines, food habits, and rituals, reflecting their history, geography, and lifestyle. Sharing meals is a universal way of fostering social connections and community bonds.

Food and Environmental Impact

The food we consume also has a profound impact on the environment. Sustainable food practices can help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote biodiversity. Conversely, unsustainable agricultural practices and food wastage can lead to environmental degradation. Therefore, conscious food choices can contribute to environmental sustainability.

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Importance of Food

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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