Is Junk Food Really Cheaper? Mark Bittman of the New York Times calls for a cultural shift away from fast food and towards buying and cooking healthy food. Read the article here.
My take: He raises some excellent points but glosses over some of the barriers that people living in poverty face. Healthier options at the grocery store may be cheaper than fast food, but the labor required can offset those savings. Yes, the average American watches an hour and a half of TV--but can you blame someone who worked a long shift at a physically demanding job for preferring some fast food in front of the TV over spending a couple hours in the kitchen? Buying in bulk or shopping at farmers markets can save some money--but many poor people live in small and crowded apartments with little space for storing food, and shopping on a Saturday morning may not be an option with work schedules or kids to take care of. So, yes. Advocating for a culture shift towards these healthy options isn't a bad idea. But it may be necessary to do something about these additional barriers that the poor are up against.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
New census data shows highest poverty rate in 30 years in Ohio
A new census report shows Ohio's poverty rate is the highest in more than 30 years, and median household incomes are at their lowest levels in more than a quarter century.
Census officials report that 15.3 percent of Ohioans are in poverty, which translates to a family of four living on less than $22,300 a year.
The share of Ohioans living in poverty has never been higher since record-keeping began in 1980.
The state's inflation-adjusted median household income last year was about $46,100, the lowest in records going back to 1984.
An economist with Commerce National Bank says the census survey released Tuesday reflects the hits the state has taken from the recession, the loss of manufacturing jobs and other factors.
From: WKSU News
Census officials report that 15.3 percent of Ohioans are in poverty, which translates to a family of four living on less than $22,300 a year.
The share of Ohioans living in poverty has never been higher since record-keeping began in 1980.
The state's inflation-adjusted median household income last year was about $46,100, the lowest in records going back to 1984.
An economist with Commerce National Bank says the census survey released Tuesday reflects the hits the state has taken from the recession, the loss of manufacturing jobs and other factors.
From: WKSU News
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
LifeShare blood drive, Sept. 7-8
What: LifeShare blood drive
Where: Wilder Main
When: Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 7 and 8, noon-7 pm both days
Why: Each time you donate with LifeShare, as many as four lives in your community may be saved or sustained.
Please bring a photo ID and a list of any medications you are currently taking.
Friday, September 2, 2011
$500 grant for initiatives to help end childhood hunger
If you're younger than 25, live in the United States, and have an idea for an initiative that will help end childhood hunger, apply for this $500 grant!
(Double post today, I just find so many cool things when I clean out my inbox!)
Circles Campaign
The Circles Campaign to break the cycle of poverty brings together those living in poverty and those in a middle or upper class lifestyle. Interesting idea!
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