There are approximately 6.8 million households live with very little food security who repeatedly have little or nothing to eat because of a lack of money (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). Prolonged periods of hunger leads to eventual illness caused by lack of food and malnutrition. Those who live in poverty may live where there is lack of food resources such as a supermarket where there are an abundance of food choices and the only food available is fast food or liquor stores where healthy food is unavailable. Instead, such communities, especially in urban areas, abound with stores selling doughnuts, packaged sweet cakes, sugary punches, hamburgers, and French fries and high-calorie foods that provide a full stomach, are affordable, are constantly available, are easily carried, require no preparation, and taste good (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). Often times, food may go by wayside as other more vital necessities such as daily shelter and clothing and daily existence may be a priority. In addition, in the U.S. alone, 20% of children live in poverty in situations that do not have support because many live where problems such as drugs and alcohol are prevalent. Low-income urban and rural residents often lack access to markets that sell fresh produce, dairy products, lean meats, and other nutrient-dense foods. Fortunately, some communities are making headway especially in the inner cities to support projects where advocates are making changes to get funding for building supermarkets, where fresh produce, fruits and vegetables are more readily available. Unfortunately, costs may be a factor for some people and research confirms that certain nutritious foods cost more than less nutritious choices, particularly among the grains, meats, oils, and snacks (Sizer & Whitney, 2017).
There are food assistance programs delivers life-giving food daily to tens of millions of U.S. citizens living in poverty and it is estimated one of every four Americans receives food assistance of some kind, at a total cost of over $109 billion per year. Food programs for low income families such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provide assistance and about half of the recipients are children. Eligible households receive electronic debit transfer cards through state social services or welfare agencies. There is a list of food programs to choose from such as:
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program
- Child and Adult Care Food Program
- Emergency Food Assistance Program
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs
- Special Supplemental Feeding Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called the Food Stamp Program
My experience with these programs mainly come from being a teacher and understanding food is a challenge in many of the homes my students come from. The school is considered low income and many of the students are on free and reduced lunch. Even though the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs are in place, many of the students don’t get to school on time to eat breakfast and I try to get them to go back to the cafeteria and eat and the kitchen is closed. At lunch the lines are so and the period is not long enough for many to stand in a long line and make it to the next class after lunch. The line is so long the students complain that much of the “good” food is taken up. We have ninety minute long classes, called a block schedule and the students and teachers only really get about a thirty minute lunch and I think there isn’t enough time for adequate nutrition especially if a family is relying on it for a child’s sustenance throughout the day. Culturally speaking, I have noticed there seems to be more concern for diet from one culture to another and some may restrict certain foods from a diet. Environments where you are raised plays a significant role in food choices. My experience as a teacher is helping me to understand and observe the rainbow of students in my classes and through this course I am trying to make a difference without judging them too harshly on the amount of bad food choices they make, many have ingrained habits at this age difficult to break through.
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2017). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (14th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
ISBN-13: 978-1-30563937-9, ISBN-10: 1-305-63937-5
HBO Documentary Films. [HBODocs]. (2012, May 14). The weight of the nation: Part 4 - Poverty and obesity (Links to an external site.)
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