There's another side to the child obesity issue, and it has everything to do with economics, education and, in some cases, another "e" word - ethnicity.
The poor and under-educated eat what they know and can afford. If that means cheap, processed, fatty foods, that's what they get. Unless they're growing their own food, they are more interested in filling bellies than watching waistlines. Also, there are those who abuse food stamps and buy more stuff than real food.
Texas had programs in place to help educate lower income families in eating more healthfully on their limited resources. But, I also know how difficult it is to get information and assistance out to their clients.
Those who can afford to make better choices should have no excuse for raising obese children. I'm appalled at the rate of childhood obesity in our country. Like the song goes: "teach your children well."
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There's another side to the child obesity issue, and it has everything to do with economics, education and, in some cases, another "e" word - ethnicity.
The poor and under-educated eat what they know and can afford. If that means cheap, processed, fatty foods, that's what they get. Unless they're growing their own food, they are more interested in filling bellies than watching waistlines. Also, there are those who abuse food stamps and buy more stuff than real food.
Texas had programs in place to help educate lower income families in eating more healthfully on their limited resources. But, I also know how difficult it is to get information and assistance out to their clients.
Those who can afford to make better choices should have no excuse for raising obese children. I'm appalled at the rate of childhood obesity in our country. Like the song goes: "teach your children well."
April 8, 2009 - 4:28pmThis Comment
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