The Poor and Obesity
We think of obesity as being predicted by genetics; believe me, it is also predicted by incomes and zip codes—Adam Drewnowski, University of Washington
Unfortunately, one doesn't have to wade very far into right-wing radio shows or blogs before hearing some pundit claim that poor people in the United States are not really poor; after all, "they're all fat." It's true that starvation is blessedly less common in the United States than in many parts of the world (although 35 million Americans, including 13 million children, are classified as food insecure). However, the problem of obesity among the poor does not mean that poverty is not a problem—or even that poor, overweight individuals are getting adequate nutrition.
Food Access and Food Costs
Simply put, a person who has a limited amount of money to spend on food can get much more full buying processed, high-sugar, high-fat products than buying fresh fruits and vegetables. In the last 20 years, the price of produce has risen 130 percent while the price of processed goods has risen just 30 percent. Energy-dense foods provide more calories per ounce and per penny—but unfortunately, these are empty calories.
How expensive is a healthy diet? According to a small study conducted in 2004 in the Boston neighborhood of Roxbury, a "heart-healthy" diet cost $242 per month for an individual senior citizen and $692 for a family of four. Food stamp benefits in Massachusetts top out at $139 per month for individuals and $465 for a family of four.
Poor individuals who live in inner-city neighborhoods have an extra barrier to getting affordable, nutritious food: a lack of supermarkets. Residents must rely on small conveniences stores (that either don't stock fresh produce at all or have a poor selection) or figure out how to take public transportation out to the suburbs and then get the groceries back home (since many don't have cars). Unfortunately, these neighborhoods do have more fast-food restaurants than wealthier neighborhoods.
Where Government Assistance Fails
The U.S. government spends $31 billion per year to provide food assistance to needy families. The three federal assistance programs available are food stamps, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and the National School Lunch Program. Some pundits argue that since obesity is such a problem among the poor, food assistance programs must no longer be necessary. Yet in 2001, America's Second Harvest found that with an average food stamp benefit of just 90 cents per meal, 84 percent of its clients' monthly allotment lasted three weeks or less.
It is true that federal assistance programs do little to prevent obesity or ensure optimum nutrition. Since food stamp recipients receive a limited amount of money and must make those benefits stretch, they are more likely to buy cheap, nutrient-deficient foods, as discussed above. WIC provides juice, cereal, and cheese to pregnant women and to children up to age 5. WIC also provides infant formula, which may discourage some women from breastfeeding—a practice linked to lower obesity rates and better nutrition for the child (as well as postpartum weight loss for the mother). Federally-funded school breakfasts and lunches, unfortunately, resemble fast food meals more than they do wholesome, home-cooked fare.
The good news is that many farmers markets are able to accept food stamps and WIC vouchers. But even this may be at risk—as of November 2005, Congress is planning to cut $800 million from the food stamp program.
Unsafe Neighborhoods
Even if poor individuals have a hard time affording a healthy diet, they can still exercise … right? Not necessarily. Obviously, health club fees are going to be out of reach for a person who is struggling to afford groceries. However, even a simple walk around the neighborhood might be out of reach due to crime or unsafe sidewalk conditions. Poor neighborhoods are less likely to have parks, fitness trails, or recreational centers. As Food and Society Policy Fellows (and Columbia Daily Tribune columnist) Melinda Hemmelgarn states, "Those forced to make choices between food, heat or medications will find budgeting for a gym membership or even a comfortable pair of sneakers a struggle."