We’re hungry and yet we’re fat . . . two pictures of hunger and eating
An updated map of food poverty in America this week reminded me of another map quickly becoming infamous: The map of obesity in the U.S.
You’ll see here that there’s much overlap. Many of the states where a Gallup survey found people saying they can’t find money for food are also the states that report the highest levels of obesity.
So what’s going on?
It’s no secret that many of the poorest states are also the ones with the highest rates of obesity, Mississippi usually appearing at the top of both lists. But it raises other questions:
Can you be obese and food-impoverished at the same time?
Does the food stamp system encourage overuse of packaged, processed foods that contribute to obesity?
Do food shelves lack the variety of fresh produce and meat that would help people live a healthier diet?
Does America have enough calories, but somehow can’t distribute them the right way?