Subway

Many people know Subway as the delicious restaurant that offers an array of possibilities, including subs, salads and even personal pizzas, for all consumers. Subway has become an internationally recognized chain, as their sandwiches and slogans have expanded to countries across six of the seven continents. The most recognizable slogan is “Eat Fresh”, something the chain first instituted in 2000. However, during my dinner today when I went to eat at Subway, I was unsure of how fresh the food actually would be.

I ordered an always-reliable foot long sandwich of ham, roast beef, turkey, American cheese, and lettuce with mustard, totaling 1200 calories. Though the sandwich was very good, I found out that the food is not as fresh as some people may think. Subway receives all their meat from a private company, West Liberty Foods. West Liberty Foods is based in three different cities that supply products to Subway chains throughout the United States. The plants in Mount Pleasant, Iowa and Tremonton, Utah are responsible for cheese, chicken, beef and pork; the main plant, in West Liberty, Iowa, focuses on turkey products specifically. However, the vegetables that Subway receives are from local farmers, as Subway employees wash the vegetables and cut the vegetables themselves.

The distance from Iowa to Elon, North Carolina is around 1,030 miles; as stated in previous posts, if the food were to be transported by one of the most efficient vehicles, a Toyota Prius, one would have to spend $57 for gas. When traveling from Utah, the driver would have to spend $119; however, we know that these meat and dairy products are transported in large trucks and trains, which are much more detrimental to the environment. I was glad to learn that their vegetables are produced very close to specific locations and that they are not treated with harm. However, there are many healthier options than what the commercials for Subway advertise to its consumers. Unfortunately, Subway is a reasonable price for many people and the taste of their food is delicious; thus, they will continue to thrive throughout the world unless people change their state of mind about food consumption.