By Sydney Danielle Lee, Juris Doctor Candidate 2028

Belmont University College of Law

When the economy takes a downturn, it is easy to assume that processed, packaged foods are the only affordable way to get by. We look at ultra-processed snacks, sugary cereals, and think they are the budget-friendly choice just because they are superficially cheap. However, economic pressure can actually flip this misconception right on its head. When ultra-processed foods start feeling the pressure of inflation, a strategic plan during a recession can actually favor a switch towards whole, healthy foods. Whole-food cooking can become both a nutritional win and a financial benefit.

Ultra-processed snacks can come with two costs: processing and marketing costs. When buying sugary bright cereals, a large cost is manufacturing, packaging, and branding. These expenses flow directly to the consumer.

In contrast, basic, whole foods like beets, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, and cabbage have long periods where they are locally in season. In-season produce is highly effective because it lacks factory processing fees and cuts out long-distance transport. Because these foods grow regionally, they only require a short truck journey to get to our stores, completely dodging the cost of shipping, expensive refrigeration, and heavy fuel consumption. Also, in-season produce is not only less expensive, but also more nutritious because it gets harvested right at peak ripeness.

Tighter times always spark a shift in how we shop, often opening a door for a return to bulk buying and scratch cooking. Cooking from scratch is commonly skipped in a strong economy for the love of convenience. But when a recession causes a tight wallet, the convenience of packaged goods becomes unsustainable.

Navigating an economic downturn is daunting, but it is still possible to find a way to create a sustainable, budget friendly diet and lifestyle. While packaged foods offer a delusion of cheap convenience, they are highly vulnerable to changing packaging costs, loss of satiety, and higher long term healthcare cost. Eating healthier may not only be possible when the economy is struggling, but also may be the smartest financial choice you can make for your table.

You May Be Asking, “What’s in Season in Tennessee”?:

*Note: Even if a fruit or vegetable is technically in season, imported varieties may be slightly more expensive than those grown locally.

Season	Fruits	Vegetables
Spring	Apples, Apricots, Avocados, Bananas, Blackberries, Kiwifruit, Lemons, Limes, Pineapples, Plantains, Rhubarb, Strawberries	Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Collard Greens, Garlic, Herbs, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Radishes, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Turnips
Summer	Apples, Apricots, Avocados, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Grapes, Honeydew Melon, Lemons, Limes, Mangos, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plantains, Plums, Raspberries, Strawberries, Watermelon	Beets, Bell Peppers, Carrots, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Beans, Herbs, Lima Beans, Okra, Onions, Peas, Summer Squash, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Zucchini
Fall	Apples, Bananas, Cranberries, Grapes, Kiwifruit, Lemons, Limes, Mangos, Pears, Pomegranates, Plantains, Raspberries	Beets, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collard Greens, Garlic, Ginger, Green Beans, Herbs, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Okra, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes & Yams, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Winter Squash
Winter	Apples, Avocados, Bananas, Grapefruit, Grapes, Kiwifruit, Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Pears, Pomegranates, Plantains	Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Collard Greens, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Rutabagas, Sweet Potatoes & Yams, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Winter Squash

Sources:

https://bedford.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/162/2020/08/Tennessee-Seasonal-Pro duce-Chart.pdf

https://bcbstnews.com/bluehealthsolutions/11-fruits-and-veggies-to-eat-year-round-in-tenne ssee/

https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide

https://lifetips.alibaba.com/plant-care/best-fruits-and-vegetables-to-grow-in-tennessee