Just read on NPR's food blog: What Will Make The Food Desert Bloom?
It reminded me of a guy I used to date (when I was in my early twenties) who lived in what I would call South Central. Really, it reminds me of his mother. They lived together in a small apartment above a garage. He was "on a break" from Oberlin, and I really couldn't tell you how they paid the rent. I do know their daily meals were takeout he brought home from the neighborhood fast food joints. They did not have a refrigerator, and I don't remember ever seeing groceries in the house. He was a big guy, but his mother was immense. It was sad really. She never left the apartment. She looked unkempt and unhealthy. And on her mantle was a picture of her in her youth where she looked like a young Diahann Carroll. It was hard to reconcile that bright-eyed young woman with the woman I saw before me. Of course, we all have agency, but I remember wondering to myself how anyone could expect this immensely obese woman to eat well when there was no fresh food outlets within miles of her...
And did I mention that they didn't even have a fridge?
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteYour observation about this family is so true. #1 reason for obesity is eating junk food. I have worked with a family like that when I did a bit of home health care.
Let me say that your post looks professional and it addresses a very important health issue at this time.
Good job.
Ugo.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important topic in public health. There are so many sides of this discussion: there are so many families that simply do not have enough money, folks don't cook anymore, and sadly, there is a mistaken mentality that it is easier to buy 10 boxes of macaroni for $10 then just buying a large bag of macaroni for 2-3 dollars. Also, like your observation, if you don't have essential appliances, such as a frig or stove, then the whole topic is moot because their needs are beyond food availability and consumption. We have visited families with a newborn who were using a cooler to store the formula. So, you wonder how the rest of the family was eating!? We have agencies who are now working with families to teach them how to cook meals daily, use fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and teach them how to sustain for the entire month. The message is back to basics. Much the same as your article pointed out that in the 50s families that were poor were healthier whereas this is the opposite today. My husband and I both agree that we have eaten the healthiest when we were broke. It meant cooking, eating at home, using everything, and making it last. So I think your article underscores that fact that there were more grocery stores in the 50s and less fast food restaurants. It reminds me that a long time ago, needy families received 'commodities.' These were staple items: cheese, butter, peanut butter, bags of rice or macaroni, etc. They usually received large portions and there were recipes that described how a family could use these items. I would not suggest we stop talking about obesity, but include in that discussion perhaps having more community/personal gardens and emphasis on home cooking. In So. Cal we have the luxury of beautiful weather and a full array of available fruits and veggies. However, if we want to advocate a plant diet it has to be affordable. This is not just for people in poverty but also for those that are working and still struggling to keep food on the table. I am a NPR junkie, listen to it every morn.
BTW: Your site looks great and well organized.
Nice addition of the image to compliment your posting. Blog looks great. Only suggestion I would have is to consider a singular column instead of double for your sidebar.
ReplyDeleteIt is shocking how many people out there struggle with what many of us may take for granted each and every day. Unfortunately many of my experiences include families that may not have working appliances or neat clothing BUT they do have cable, and internet, and new cellphones with internet, and multiple pets. Yet they "struggle" to make ends meet. This might not be the norm, but the choices people make not only can affect themselves but will most assuredly affect their posterity.
What remains in the balance are for community leaders, a.k.a nurses, to assist in enhancing these individuals quality of life without too much strain on the "system." Sometimes, i have found, these people have simple lives and are full of a lifetime of stories and are happy.