The MacDonalization of the Home of the Whopper by Wendys: The Geography of North American Fast Foods Franchises in Puerto Rico

• In Event: Food Systems, Nutrition, and Culture in the Spanish Caribbean: Landscapes and Discourses

Abstract

Over 300 McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy’s are located in Puerto Rico. Many of these fast food establishments are becoming landmarks and nodes in the island’s urban landscape. These franchises are very oriented to the major roadway systems. Their presence may suggest a significant cultural transformation of this U.S. territory. The hamburger, French fries, and pop-soda meal is becoming a symbol of urban progress. However, these products are not only altering the local eating habits but the general health of Puerto Ricans. The rise in fast foods’ consumption is highly correlated with the increase of child diabetes and obesity in areas with many families living under the poverty level. Additionally, since 2008 fast foods are included under the United States National Food Stamp Program (FSP) only for Puerto Rico’s elderly and homeless populations (Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico). These conditions have created a new market for major fast food franchises from the Mainland which are aggressively moving from the continental United States into overseas territories like Puerto Rico. The accessibility of fast foods for many sectors, especially for families living under the poverty level, is generating a potential health problem in the island. This presentation will focus in the overlapping of the latest population census, poverty levels, rates of obesity and child diabetes, and the location of these fast food franchises at the county (Municipio) level (n=78). This cartographic and statistical analysis may illustrate the dialectical effects of the Food Stamp Program in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Author

• Carlos J Guilbe, Universidad de Puerto Rico