I viewed the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) Child Health Talk Spring issue. There was an article entitled "How can children be obese and hungry at the same time?". In 2001 13% of children between 2-18 years old were considered overweight. Since then the word "overweight" has been changed to "obese" and the number has increased from 13% to 17%. For black children who are obese the numbers are 22.7% for girls and 17.3% for boys.
Along with obesity is the rise of food insecurity - households that struggle to put food on the table. About 35% of Africian-American children families are struggling to put and keep food on the table. Dr. Bill Deitz was the first person to explore obesity and in 1995 had a publication that offered a theory that "the body's desire to hold onto calories in times of plendty in anticipation of upcoming scarcity and/or the possible over-reliance on higher calorie foods that are often cheaper". Both hunger and obseity can be a result of low-income and not living in an area where healthy foods are available. Fast-food chain are plentous but offer little nutrition.
The article enlighten me that there is a call to look closely at low-income children and their dietary needs that I am providing them at my school. We have started a vegetable garden so that children can watch vegetable grow and have the ability to eat their harvest. Fresh fruits and vegetables may not be available at home daily but we can provide the means instead of can goods that will help in a healthier body and hopefully help reduce obesity. I really enjoyed the articel and would recommend to others to read.
Resource:
Askew, W.L. (2011). How can children be obese and hungry at the same time? Child Health Talk. retrieved from http://www.nbcdi.org/ on April 9, 2011
I have noticed the same problem with obesity with the children at work. I do believe that low-income does play a large role in this problem. Sometimes it's easier for a parent to go buy and pick up a meal from a fast food place versus paying more for a full meal with vegetables. Also, time is another issue. Low-income parents tend to work more days and longer hours; which is another reason for buying fast food.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good article to read. I love the idea that your school is focusing on healthy development for the students. Providing students with the proper nutrients to stay healthy will help them maintain.
ReplyDeleteThe article makes a vaild point. I noticed the other day while driving through a lower income part of town that all they had were fast food resturants to eat at. My friend and I were trying to find a place to eat and did not want fast food. When I tell you we drove almost to the other side of town to find a place that was not fast food. People can only eat what they have. I am so glad you have started a garden. Children need to see that food does not just come from the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteYes, how can children possibly be obese and hungry at the same time? Well, children from low income families do not often eat what is healthy, but what the family can afford. For 21 days our ministry went on a financial fast and during this time we had to account for every cent that we spent. We were not allowed to eat out and had to create a budget, not use credit or debit cards cash only purchases, buy groceries, no shopping or window shopping. During this time we saved a tremendous amount of monies, but also after the conclusion of the fast we ate out and my body rejected the foods. I said all of that just to say that the foods that those families eat may not be as healthy for them and they have to consume more to be full. I enjoyed reading your post.