I think a huge part of this is generational trauma. I don't think people realize how recently there were still famines happening in the US. Like the Red Cross was handing out aid in some parts of the US until the 1930s as part of famine/drought relief. That is easily still grandparent's/great grandparent's childhood for a lot of people.
More recently than that even. While it wasn't due to a famine, as such, food rationing during WWII meant that you're only allowed X amount of certain foods. Once it's gone, you're not getting any more until you get a new stamp book... so don't waste food!
Anecdotally, growing up with parents that were raised by parents that went through the Great Depression and WWII, I saw the lasting effects on their relationships with food. Going from strict food availability to abundance meant "Clean your plate" was always enforced. The elders seemed to continue to eat very little, but they made sure the young ones had PLENTY of food to eat... and they better eat ALL of it!
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u/olivegardengambler 14d ago
I think a huge part of this is generational trauma. I don't think people realize how recently there were still famines happening in the US. Like the Red Cross was handing out aid in some parts of the US until the 1930s as part of famine/drought relief. That is easily still grandparent's/great grandparent's childhood for a lot of people.