Eating Healthy, Living Longer

Since working as a Vista Associate for the Booker T. Washington Community Center, it has been so evident to me the struggle for the poor to eat healthy. Everyday when I come to work, I can expect at least 10 kids to tell me that they are hungry and at least another 15 kids to tell me that all they ate that day was donuts or some other sugar filled food item.  These children have limited access to fresh food options and if given the choice, they would still probably choose an unhealthy option due to their lack of knowledge of a better choice. 

Many people who never had to struggle financially take for granted the knowledge of healthy food options.  In most impoverished neighborhoods, there are no farmer markets or healthy groceries stores. Oftentimes, the only stores to get food from are corner stores that sell cheap, high sodium and high fat foods.  These children are only exposed to Maruchan ramen noodles, hot dogs, and chips, which become apart of their daily diets. It’s no wonder then why poor children usually wind up with serious health risks in the future.

While reading Sojourners’ article on increasing healthy food options, the author made some very good points. They stated that although it is good for Americans to recognize the hunger problem in our country, it’s our subsequence action that matters in solving the issue. It’s not enough anymore to just talk about the issue; rather, we have to make forward progress and take strategic steps to decrease hunger. The government barely gives families enough food stamps to survive the month, let alone to eat healthier foods. I was happy to read that farmer markets are starting to take food stamps and fresh foods are becoming more affordable.  Businesses are starting to team up with local neighborhoods to deliver fresh food the community members and various CDC’s are beginning to plant gardens for its residents.  However, issuing food stamps and given away fresh food alone will not significantly decrease the issue.  We have to educate people on benefits of having fresh food and different ways to cook it.  Having fresh food and no idea of how to make it, helps no one.  

            If we want to make a change for a healthy lifestyle, we have to start now and with our youth. We need to make efforts to not just provide food and money, but to educate about healthier living. The cycle of unhealthy eating habits is a tough one to break, but it is not impossible if we stay committed and determined to change it.