BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE fast food industry has grown by leaps and bounds the world over and, over the past 17 years, approximately eight franchises have been established in St. Kitts.
While some view this as a welcomed trend, others – especially those in the healthcare sector – see it as a serious cause for concern especially with the ongoing battle against increasing instances of hypertension, obesity and diabetes.
SKNVibes thought it would be interesting to find out from members of the public their take on the prevalence of fast food institutions – both local and foreign - and the fight to promote healthier living amongst the people of the Federation.
One of the main questions interviewees were asked is whether or not they believe the growing fast food industry would adversely affect the efforts to promote healthier living in the populace.
The responses were varied and – for the most part – interesting as some individuals went as far as to make suggestions which could be in the interest of both the consumer and the fast food industry.
“There is definitely an influx of fast food joints. My concern is that it would make people lazy because they would find it convenient to spend extra on these fast foods as opposed to spending less and preparing a healthy home-cooked meal. This could have adverse effects to the future generation who would grow up badly-nourished,” a 27-year-old female told SKNVibes.
She however added that consumers have the chose to consume or not to consume the products of these food chains. She subsequently admitted that “some of their advertisings are so bright and colourful that they pull you in like a magnet…”
A young man, who indicated that he was in his 20s, suggested that the fast food industry has proven to be an economic stimulant. Although he does believe that the presence of fast food institutions could retard any progress made in battling some non-communicable diseases, it is incumbent upon individuals to make healthy choices.
“I feel they can be a good stimulant for the economy because they create jobs and put money in people’s pockets. But Kittitians and Nevisians have to be responsible for their intake and have to ensure that they don’t overdo their consumption of these unhealthy foods.”
Fast food chains, local fast food joints and Chinese restaurants, the options are endless and at times it appears “easier” to grab a “quick bite” from one of these eateries rather than slaving over a hot stove hoping that it would come to a speedy end so as to tame your growling stomach.
But is the choice of speed and convenience – which often mean a grease-laden meal – over a home-cooked possibly healthier meal is one that people don’t mind making?
On any given day, dozens of people can be seen flocking these institutions, waiting in long queues to purchase their favourite meal on menu.
An employee of corporate St. Kitts – who also sings in her spare time –suggested that the fast food companies consider incorporating health food into their menu.
“What is here is here, but don’t allow any more to come in. I don’t know if suggestions could be given to the food joints in terms of even selling a healthy dish besides the greasy stuff that they usually sell.
“Maybe they could have a health menu and then they would see the difference between buying the greasy food and the healthy stuff. And then these fast food places would see that if the healthy food is selling, then they could probably eliminate one or more of the not-so-healthy dishes.”
SKNVibes happened to run into Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Martin to whom the questions relative to this article were posed. And his response was simple.
“Don’t buy it, don’t eat it.”
Commenting on the presence of so many fast food restaurants in the Federation, Dr. Martin expressed that he prefers “to live in a country with options”. And with that said, he suggested that in order to encourage persons to eat healthier the government should “tax the horrible stuff more and take the tax off the healthy stuff”.
Majority of the persons interviewed shared Dr. Martin’s point of view that what persons eat is a choice. And while some suggest that if there are those who just could not refrain from consuming fast food, they should consider reducing their intake bit by bit.
As a counteractive measure, one of the interviewees suggested that there is need for a health food store in St. Kitts. And while her suggestion is commendable, it begs the question, “Would that encourage healthier eating or would the fast food craze continue?”
