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Briefing Rooms Food Consumption

In 2002, total meat consumption (red meat, poultry, and fish) amounted to 200 pounds per person, 23 pounds above the level in 1970. Americans consumed, on average, 18 pounds less red meat (mostly less beef) than in 1970, 37 pounds more poultry, and 4 pounds more fish (get these data and more through the Food Consumption (Per Capita) Data System). The types and amounts of food an individual chooses to eat not only affect his or her wellbeing, but also have implications for society as a whole. The choices of which foods to eat, where to eat, and when to eat are intensely personal, influenced by not only prices and income, but also sociological factors, family structure, time constraints, and Federal food assistance programs, such as the Food Stamp Program.

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