Seek the Truth
by Yugen
Fardan Rashad |
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Food is a complex area for discussion. It involves not only production, but nutrition, labeling, and access. Ideally, everyone is privy to eating the right foods, which promotes a healthy society across the board. Yet, as a society, too many families are forced to make unhealthy food choices. This can lead to preventable disease, which is a case particular for families impacted by low socio-economic factors.
There are many reasons for unhealthy eating habits. And quite often the culprit is the availability of convenience, or fast foods, and their marketing and labeling.
The poorest part of town is the most exploited by brokers of convenience food, alcohol, and tobacco. Conduct your own analysis next time you peruse areas around Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Southeast 82nd, and North Portland.
Companies understand we are several generations steeped in sense gratification, with convenience food consumption topping the list. The norm for many include pizza, burgers, ma and pa chicken, ribs, and anything already cooked, hot, and ready to eat. There is no set time for what earlier generations set aside for dinner or lunch. This pattern of unregulated times for eating is the norm for many underserved populations. The motto is “Don’t eat when you’re hungry, eat when you can.” The connection is rarely made between diet and health.
For example, recent data reveals U.S.-born black women are getting shorter, compared to their white counterpart. The research was spearheaded by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Additionally, an obesity epidemic among low- and middle-income black women is on the rise, the report says. This is critical because obesity for any group is a gateway to other chronic health problems such as gall bladder disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and osteoarthritis.
Obesity in the black church is observable. Perhaps epidemiological rigor in this demographic can emphasize urgency, and pave the way for more advocacy. The data also suggests that in 30 years, obesity among whites will tripled, but among blacks increased fivefold.
To be fair, eating habits are also shaped by income, and the built environment.
For disadvantaged, specific-population families, it means deciding the best option based on what is affordable.
In addressing the problem, the first step for reform is in place: labeling. Secondly, the organic and natural food movement paved the way for co-ops, and large grocery stores to be centrally located, and carry a wide array of fresh meats, poultry, veggies, fruit, bulk products; juice bars, and offer educational literature that spells out the connection between good eating habits and health.
Most of us understand Food 101: food is fuel for the body. Food is converted into energy the body then either stores or uses. Emotional, physical, even mental health relies on the nutrients food provides. Many adults would flunk the food group test we were taught in elementary school. All grown up now, we can spell the word “convenience,” and take a bite out of it at every opportunity.
Of course we still face complications, such as the recent peanut recall. Yes, the food industry will cut corners to speed products to market. The risks are incalculable when food is produced in haste or squalor conditions, with chemicals, growth hormones, and unsafe pesticides. However, progress is being made.
The promotion and support of farmers’ markets, co-ops, and patronizing restaurants and food outlets that use locally grown produce is a movement across the nation.
All politics are local. So, moving strategically, and allowing research to guide efforts means all populations will be considered and benefit.
Society pays a price when income and education are obstacles that narrow options for certain populations to eat healthy food.
We must remember the responsibility we have to show future generations the continuity between health, environment, and the role everyone plays.
Yugen Fardan Rashad’s writings deal with culture, aesthetics and spirituality. His topics, opinions, and insights pay homage to the scholarly search for truth, which leads to personal responsibility and preservation of community life.
