Is the Food Stamp Program a Substantial Contribution to Childhood Obesity? Is the Food Stamp Program a Substantial Contribution to Childhood Obesity? Introduction Is the rising rate of childhood obesity within the United States affected by the food stamp program? This is the question that formulated the basis of my research. Looking at the rising statistics of obesity rates within America’s youth and researching why the weight of the United States community is significantly passing those of
Obesity has increased nationally by 18% since 1980, and economists are still struggling with understanding why the quantity of obese people is increasing. What is interesting is that the biological cause of obesity is simple, an individual must consume more calories than they expend on a daily basis. Yet, the solution is not as simple as telling people to just do the opposite, consume less and burn more calories. There are several factors that can be considered such as income, education, race
only fueling obesity, it is leading to food insecurity and hunger among our children”. In recent years an unruly amount of homes were classified as food insecure, which is a government measurement for when all people are not able to access nutritious foods to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Hunger is a worldwide problem and is also a crisis in the United States of America. Because of this concern the federal government configured a temporary solution for society, called Food Stamps or now known
make healthy habits. Childhood obesity is a big problem. Almost half of all children and adolescents are overweight or obese (“Childhood Obesity Facts”). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years.” Childhood obesity has its roots in poor education and meal options, and can effect someone’s health, confidence, and well-being for life. Obesity at any age is caused by poor diet
34% of the population was overweight. (Townsend) Overweight and obesity would seem to be problems associated with the United State’s wealth and more than sufficient food supply. Much attention in recent years has been paid to people becoming more physically fit and changing their diets to become healthier. Gastric bypass surgery has become a popular choice for people trying to overcome extreme obesity. The operation limits “food intake by creating a narrow passage from the upper part of the stomach
Obesity has been increasingly taking over the nation in the past 30 years or more. Although food choices are different from person to person, the underlying cause is not primarily the individual’s choice, but a combination of predetermined inherent attributes. Race, gender, social class, and age have significant roles in how obesity affects the nation. Ultimately, obesity is sweeping the nation because of how easy it is to eat cheap and on the run from fast food restaurants. If Americans do not
Who knew food insecurity and obesity in rural America could exist at the same time and same place. Not knowing where your next meal is coming from or what you will feed your kids that night is how I describe food insecurity. Eating to much food and not exercising enough is how I would describe obesity. Both of these concepts have far more in depth definitions then what I thought. Food insecurity can be solved and explained by a combination of different contradictions. The issue of food insecurity
participants should be allowed to use their food stamps for. As of right now, food stamps can only be used to purchase food that can be cooked or eaten at home, preventing families from spending the federal aid at restaurants (USDA). Recently, the fast food corporation YUM!, which owns Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, has lobbied to change this restriction (USA Today). Should people benefitting from the SNAP program have the right to spend their money on
The current policy on food choice and food stamps involves a prescreening for eligibility. People must meet work requirements for eligibility. Food stamps cannot be used to buy alcohol or tobacco products. It can only be used to buy uncooked food. breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, and dairy products. Seeds for food or vegetable plants can also be purchased. Food stamps cannot be used to purchase toiletries or pet food. In some states, homeless, elderly and disabled
The American Obesity Epidemic The American obesity epidemic is an issue that has become increasingly prevelant over the years. While this is a very large and complex issue, it can be primarily pin-pointed to a few key factors, such as poverty, lifestyle, and the types and availability of food these days. The largest contributing factor to obesity in this country is poverty. Charles L. Baum discusses this extensively in his article The Effects of Food stamps on Obesity. “Poverty has historically