The battle between fast and slow food is bit like that fabled race between the turtle and the hare.
From a health and sustainability perspective, at least, slow and steady wins. Put cost in to the equation, however, and it's a different story.
This week in response to what they say is a lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables, people eating more fast food than home-cooked meals, and increasing rates of diet-related disease, an American not for profit announced an initiative to conquer the hurdle of price.
The NGO, Slow Food USA, launched 'The $5 Challenge' campaign, whereby a host of events across the nation help individuals pledge to cook meals that cost less than five dollars.
"Slow food shouldn't have to cost more than fast food. It's time we take back the 'Value Meal'," said Josh Viertel, president of Slow Food USA.
The campaign launches in September with a Day of Action, where people can attend any one of the hundreds of slow food gatherings nationwide. To participate in The $5 Challenge, all one has to do is pledge to cook a slow food meal for five dollars or less, or attend a local event.
These events and meals can take any form: some people will host potlucks where they bring food that costs them less than five dollars to prepare. Some people will cook for a crowd and charge five dollars or less at the door. Some people will cook for themselves or their family.
Slow Food USA said the initiative is a response to the US First Lady's challenge to the nation to end the childhood obesity epidemic in a generation.
In addition to Michelle Obama, a handful of other influencers, such as celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and author Michael Pollan, have also increased public concern about the impact the industrial food system has on our health and the environment.
Locally, its hoped the campaign will give individuals an opportunity to come together, to share a meal and to begin a conversation about what needs to change with food in their community.
Nationally, Josh said he hoped the 250,000 person supported event would highlight that many families struggled to provide healthy, sustainable food due to a lack of access, rising prices of fruits and vegetables, and the falling price of soda and junk food.
"Right now, we have policies that make it harder to feed our children fruit than Froot Loops. But everyday, against the odds, people find ways to cook real food on a budget," said Josh.
"We need to make cooking and eating that way a possibility for everyone. If you know how to cook slow food on a budget, The $5 Challenge is a chance to teach someone.
"If you want to learn, it is a chance to get started. And it is a chance for us all to unite and begin pushing for the change we need.