f Carin Boalt and her 27,000 Meals

The aim of the article is to present Carin Boalt and an early investigation of food habits in Sweden, initiated by the Swedish Cooperative Association (KF) and carried out during 1936-37, presented in a report, “27000 Meals. An investigation of eating habits”. Participants in study circles organised by KF registered their food habits over the period of a week. Results show that mealtimes are confused and the way food is distributed within families has its failings. Women eat worst and children get too little in the way of ‘perfect’ foods. Information and propaganda is needed to improve standards. The main topics of debate about food habits today and some 70 years ago remain the same.