National Junk Food Day - July 21, 2024

History of National Junk Food Day

Despite the term “junk food” only entering the vernacular in the 70s, the notion of food which is satisfying, inexpensive, and swiftly prepared has been around for centuries.

Street vendors in Ancient Rome were known to sell quick bites like fried fish and sausages, which carried over to the Middle Ages where pies and pastries were popular. However, the fast and easy food landscape shifted significantly during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century, when mass production made items like cookies and cakes widely available.

The biggest turning point for quick, low-nutrient food came in the 20th Century with the advent of the fast food industry. The first early fast food eatery, an automat, was opened in 1902 in Philadelphia, paving the way for global fast food giants like McDonald’s in the 1940s.

As fast food restaurants grew in popularity, so did highly processed snack foods such as candy bars, chips, and popcorn. Vending machines became commonplace, providing easy access to these snack foods.

However, the impact of a diet reliant on junk food — which can lead to conditions like obesity, type II diabetes, and heart disease — has come under scrutiny by health experts in recent years. Despite these concerns, the appeal of junk food remains strong due to its convenience, affordability, and appealing taste, making it a common dietary component globally.