Monday, November 28, 2011

Cracking the Zip Code Crisis

#DidYouKnow that in a national study of 28,000 zip codes lower income zip codes that 25% fewer per capita supermarkets than its middle class counterparts. It’s no surprise that a lack of a healthy diet leads to higher risk of chronic diseases. Nearly 2/3rd of all Texans are either overweight or obese. People who live in neighborhoods with a lack of supermarkets have way higher rates of obesity which often correlates with heart disease and/or diabetes.

In a poll conducted by Ebony magazine respondents were asked a basic question: “Which of the following will be effective at reducing the number of obese persons?’ Here are their responses.

What’s more important to you?

· Make physical education part of everyday school life 76%
· Public Health education 59%
· More parks and gyms 50%
· Easier access to grocery stores with fresh produce 49%
· Fewer local fast food restaurants 40%
· Better food labeling 35%
· Restaurant food information 27%


The last three resonated with us. Research is showing that more and more people are eating more meals outside of the home. More food portions are way larger than they used to be, more calorie laden and cheaper. If you lived in a city that menu labels how would that affect you eating habits? If you live in a city that doesn’t menu label does that help or hinder your health.

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