Can your child be starving and fat at the same time?

[Anonymous]

I read this article in the Washington Post about a single mother who was complaining about how food stamps weren't cutting it. She got $55 a week for herself and her 2 kids. I fully understood her situation because we spend 3 times that and I have to juggle. But then they showed her 6 year old daughter in the last page and the kid was really overweight. Not to be rude, I was a fat kid too. We can't all be size 2s, but is it possible to be "Starving" and hungry all the time and be big? Most of the time I see mothers in line with food stamps they are buying those nasty little jugs of fake juice, all processed foods, junk, candy, nothing healthy. I agree that those kids are probably malnourished, but starving? It's a shame that the government doesn't require nutritional classes in order to get food stamps. Seriously.. if your child looks like a Sumo wrestler, can you really claim that your child is starving?

[Anonymous]

I've noticed that phenomenon as well but one thing I must say is that eating healthy is not cheap! I noticed once I started upping my fresh fruit/veggie intake that our grocery costs went up. So, if you were given $55/week, think about what you could buy. Probably alot of pasta, potatoes, and other starchy filling things. Fresh OJ and fish aren't cheap! I do agree though on requiring classes of some sort or maybe (I'm assuming these services aren't available) providing some recipes for healthy meals on a budget to help educate people.

[Anonymous]

It has to do with perception of what is cheap. There are ways to buy healthy foods on a tight budget but there is sometimes a lack of knowledge of what to buy and healthy meal preparation among low-income, single mothers. I work with this population so I am not making this up. It is just as cheap if not cheaper to buy frozen veggies, beans, rice, meat in bulk, etc. but that would require planning and time, something that most low-income mothers don't have. At least the ones who work, trying to make ends meet and still need financial assistance.

Obesity is a huge problem and does not always correlate with hunger. I understand the contradiction you are suggesting, but your post comes across as very judgmental, which I think you may have intended.

[Anonymous]

that's a really insensitive post. yes, many poor people eat inexpensive foods that are not high in nutrition and have alot more fats than are healthy. the child is probably overweight because she eats inexpensive foods that her mother is able to buy. and yes, her mother probably does not know alot about nutrition. in addition to the need to educate folks about eating healthy, there are lots of issues about access to healthy foods in poor neighborhoods. the washington post series on childhood obesity this week mentioned that a supermarket only recently opened on ward 8. before that the only places people had easy access to food are corner stores and takeout. organic fruit is not only expensive, it's unavailable. this is a classic issue in many many poor neighborhoods.

the issue is teaching kids and their parents about eating healthy and then helping to make healthy food available to them...not suggesting that they don't need assistance because they are overweight.

[Anonymous]

I think this post is very valid and not necessarily being insensitive.. the person on tv was asking for more money.. it's OUR money.. in a general statement (not saying this is true- but saying this would be an objection) - I would object to giving my taxes to someone who blows through it on junk food and wants more and the family is overweight..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this post is very valid and not necessarily being insensitive.. the person on tv was asking for more money.. it's OUR money.. in a general statement (not saying this is true- but saying this would be an objection) - I would object to giving my taxes to someone who blows through it on junk food and wants more and the family is overweight..

I hope you know that "our" includes that person on tv. If you work or make purchases or basically live - you pay taxes too. And FYI the overwhelming majority of "our" money goes to the Department of Defense. And I certainly don't agree with the way any of that is being spent right now, nor does any soldier or soldier's family I know. Just a smidge of perspective here.

[Anonymous]

AnonymousWe can't all be size 2s, but is it possible to be "Starving" and hungry all the time and be big? Most of the time I see mothers in line with food stamps they are buying those nasty little jugs of fake juice, all processed foods, junk, candy, nothing healthy. I agree that those kids are probably malnourished, but starving? [/quote wrote:

If you understood anything about nutrition, quantity vs quality, simple carbs vs complex, etc., etc., etc., you wouldn't have framed your question the way you did. Or have asked it at all. Of course it's possible to be "starving" -- for the refined sugars and other simple carbs that our bodies burn through so quickly, that these children have become accustomed to, and that their mother doesn't know better than to buy for them -- and "look like a Sumo wrestler" as a result of a diet that has a high glycemic quotient.

Protein and veg cost big bucks these days. Folks who aren't well schooled in finding cheaper alternatives (and I include myself in this category) have an uphill battle at the grocery store.

As a parting thought -- would you have thought the same of the obese, upper-middle class, Caucasian, suburban child who was featured earlier this week in the Post? One could posit that the only reason that he's not quoted as "starving" is that his parents have the means to buy him all the shitty food that his poor messed up metabolism desires, rather than trying to get by on a govt. subsidy. Is his "Sumo wrestler" girth somehow more socially acceptable and not worthy of comment because it comes (presumably) from a household that 'knows better"? Do you not cast such a critical an eye on parents' grocery purchases when they're paying with a platinum card, rather than food stamps?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

AnonymousWe can't all be size 2s, but is it possible to be "Starving" and hungry all the time and be big? Most of the time I see mothers in line with food stamps they are buying those nasty little jugs of fake juice, all processed foods, junk, candy, nothing healthy. I agree that those kids are probably malnourished, but starving? [/quote wrote:

If you understood anything about nutrition, quantity vs quality, simple carbs vs complex, etc., etc., etc., you wouldn't have framed your question the way you did. Or have asked it at all. Of course it's possible to be "starving" -- for the refined sugars and other simple carbs that our bodies burn through so quickly, that these children have become accustomed to, and that their mother doesn't know better than to buy for them -- and "look like a Sumo wrestler" as a result of a diet that has a high glycemic quotient.

Protein and veg cost big bucks these days. Folks who aren't well schooled in finding cheaper alternatives (and I include myself in this category) have an uphill battle at the grocery store.

As a parting thought -- would you have thought the same of the obese, upper-middle class, Caucasian, suburban child who was featured earlier this week in the Post? One could posit that the only reason that he's not quoted as "starving" is that his parents have the means to buy him all the shitty food that his poor messed up metabolism desires, rather than trying to get by on a govt. subsidy. Is his "Sumo wrestler" girth somehow more socially acceptable and not worthy of comment because it comes (presumably) from a household that 'knows better"? Do you not cast such a critical an eye on parents' grocery purchases when they're paying with a platinum card, rather than food stamps?

A bit sensitive there?

It is a shame that anyone limits their children's access to healthy foods. One poster mentioned that organic foods aren't cheap, and when using food stamps, certainly not. If I had food stamps I sure as heck wouldn't be buying organic, but I would be buying lots of frozen fruits, veggies, peanut butter, and other healthier foods in my budget. Don't be completely duped by veggies either, I heard last week that in order to get the same nutrition from a tomato in the 50's, you would have to eat five of them today. Or mass producing of crops has lessened the quality of all of our foods.

I have had a weight problem all my life, and I truly judge those who have fat children. I just don't think they really have a clue. Those fat kids of today, are going to be the fat grown-ups of tomorrow. Many of them are going to have self-esteem issues, and feeling of inadequacy, and it's a shame their parents are the ones setting them up for it. Who cares if they are paying for their children's crappy food with food stamps, or wads of cash, they are still putting crap into their kids, and should be ashamed. I actually think that the rich should be more ashamed, because they have better access to the foods that are right for their children.

[Anonymous]

Actually, even if one bought only processed foods but ate them in the normal serving sizes or quantities, it doesn't absolutely mean they will be overweight. They may have a crappy diet but they could be normal weight.

Also, it doesn't take much time or effort to figure out that frozen vegetables (which I have seen at Giant 10/$10) are going to be more nutritious than the Cheese Curls (also at Giant 10/$10).

I do believe that as a condition of receiving Food Stamps that people have to attend mandatory nutrition classes.

[Anonymous]

Also, it doesn't take much time or effort to figure out that frozen vegetables (which I have seen at Giant 10/$10) are going to be more nutritious than the Cheese Curls (also at Giant 10/$10).

This kind of says it all, right here, doesn't it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

AnonymousWe can't all be size 2s, but is it possible to be "Starving" and hungry all the time and be big? Most of the time I see mothers in line with food stamps they are buying those nasty little jugs of fake juice, all processed foods, junk, candy, nothing healthy. I agree that those kids are probably malnourished, but starving? [/quote wrote:

If you understood anything about nutrition, quantity vs quality, simple carbs vs complex, etc., etc., etc., you wouldn't have framed your question the way you did. Or have asked it at all. Of course it's possible to be "starving" -- for the refined sugars and other simple carbs that our bodies burn through so quickly, that these children have become accustomed to, and that their mother doesn't know better than to buy for them -- and "look like a Sumo wrestler" as a result of a diet that has a high glycemic quotient.

Protein and veg cost big bucks these days. Folks who aren't well schooled in finding cheaper alternatives (and I include myself in this category) have an uphill battle at the grocery store.

As a parting thought -- would you have thought the same of the obese, upper-middle class, Caucasian, suburban child who was featured earlier this week in the Post? One could posit that the only reason that he's not quoted as "starving" is that his parents have the means to buy him all the shitty food that his poor messed up metabolism desires, rather than trying to get by on a govt. subsidy. Is his "Sumo wrestler" girth somehow more socially acceptable and not worthy of comment because it comes (presumably) from a household that 'knows better"? Do you not cast such a critical an eye on parents' grocery purchases when they're paying with a platinum card, rather than food stamps?

A bit sensitive there?

It is a shame that anyone limits their children's access to healthy foods. One poster mentioned that organic foods aren't cheap, and when using food stamps, certainly not. If I had food stamps I sure as heck wouldn't be buying organic, but I would be buying lots of frozen fruits, veggies, peanut butter, and other healthier foods in my budget. Don't be completely duped by veggies either, I heard last week that in order to get the same nutrition from a tomato in the 50's, you would have to eat five of them today. Or mass producing of crops has lessened the quality of all of our foods.

I have had a weight problem all my life, and I truly judge those who have fat children. I just don't think they really have a clue. Those fat kids of today, are going to be the fat grown-ups of tomorrow. Many of them are going to have self-esteem issues, and feeling of inadequacy, and it's a shame their parents are the ones setting them up for it. Who cares if they are paying for their children's crappy food with food stamps, or wads of cash, they are still putting crap into their kids, and should be ashamed. I actually think that the rich should be more ashamed, because they have better access to the foods that are right for their children.

No. Not sensitive. Just asking hard questions.

Speaking of which, since you have an admitted weight problem, wouldn't you be glad that someone stuck up for the fat kid who's being gratuitously referred to as a Sumo wrestler? I was the skinny friend in junior high who didn't give a rat's tail about your weight, only your character. Why do you hate on me because I dare to defend (from a presumptuous poster) a "Sumo"-esque gal? Because you hate fat kids and their parents. Okay. Cool.

Maybe you shouldn't be askin' who's sensitive.

[Anonymous]

Actually, if you go back to the OP's original topic of the article in the Post, I thought the woman featured in the article was doing a good job of trying to find a balanced diet for her kids and she wasn't complaining at all. Yes, she did buy pasta and more processed foods as the "main dish", but she also added frozen veggies to every meal. She was buy no means just buying cheese curls and other junk. If you read the article, she was actually trying to be very healthy - the only actual "junkl" she bought was for her daughter's birthday party and it was a bag of chips and a bag of popcorn, plus cake mix. Here is a quote:

"Shredded cheese, bagels, milk . . . Maybe we can do two gallons this week," she says hopefully, scribbling the grocery list on a sheet of notebook paper. She goes through a cabinet, looks in the freezer, checks a shelf behind the linoleum-covered table. "Yogurt, crackers, bananas." She jots down a dozen or so more items: salad dressing, frozen vegetables . . . "That should keep me at about $50 for the week."

The rest of the article is here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/26/AR2008052601821.html

[Anonymous]

Read the book Nickel & Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. It's pretty eye-opening about how difficult it is to afford to eat healthy if you're on public assistance. The reason people eat 3 meals at McDonald's vs. buying a 4.99 quart of strawberries at Whole Foods is that it's practically the same price.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if it's true that until recently you weren't allowed to use food stamps to buy fresh produce? I heard that, and thought it was shocking. However, when I tried looking it up in Google I couldn't find any reference to that policy. Now it appears you are allowed (and maybe even given incentives?) to buy fresh fruits and veggies with food stamps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Read the book Nickel & Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. It's pretty eye-opening about how difficult it is to afford to eat healthy if you're on public assistance. The reason people eat 3 meals at McDonald's vs. buying a 4.99 quart of strawberries at Whole Foods is that it's practically the same price.

Sorry, can't read anything by her, my IQ is above 80 and well, I am just not naive or stupid enough to buy that woman's factless assumptions.