This article was first published in BFC's Spring 2006 newsletter. Ms. A.G., 58, is about to visit family members in Ethiopia for a few weeks, but she says that she will keep up the healthy living skills she’s picked up in Bread for the City’s “Fit for Fun” program. “I eat more veggies and less meat. I take smaller portions. I used to have sugar in everything, and eat everything, but now I watch what I eat,” says Ms. A.G., who has lost eleven pounds in the past three months. “It’s not that much, but I can feel it. Before, because of my arthritis, I had a very hard time walking. Now I walk half an hour in the morning, and half an hour in the evening.” Ms. A.G. proudly adds: “Even my daughter is amazed at the changes I have made!” The changes Ms. A.G. is making are helping to counteract a devastating trend in our community: Twenty-four percent of the adults in the District are obese, ranking us 15th in the nation for adult obesity. At the same time, the 2005 Census reports that 19.1 percent of DC residents live in poverty, giving us the 3rd highest poverty rate in the nation. This is no coincidence. Studies show a direct relationship between overweight and obesity levels and poverty levels, with obesity rising disproportionately in low-income communities across the nation. In other words, the less money you have, the more likely you are to be overweight or obese. Several factors contribute to this trend. Healthier, higher quality foods are more expensive, forcing low-income consumers to buy the cheaper foods and the empty calories, fat, and sodium that tend to go with them. Not only are lean meats and fresh produce more expensive, they are not always readily available for low-income residents in DC. A 2006 study conducted by DC Hunger Solutions gave Wards 7 and 8 (the poorest Wards in the District) a C and a D- respectively for food security. Combined, the two Wards have only two grocery stores to serve over 140,000 people. At the same time, low-income individuals often lack access to education about good nutrition, portion sizes, and the impact food choices and proper exercise have on health and well-being. Bread for the City is taking steps to improve the situation. As the largest food pantry in the District, we are working to improve the nutritional quality of the bags we distribute. We have eliminated all trans-fats, mainly by no longer dispensing snack foods that have little nutritional value. On the recommendation of our Medical Clinic Director, Dr. Randi Abramson, clients receive fish and lower-fat white meats instead of red meat. Ted Pringle, our Food and Clothing Director, has also set a goal of including fresh produce in every grocery bag we distribute. This is no small task! The Food Pantry serves about 10,000 people each month, and while produce is expensive, there are few grants available for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Instead, Mr. Pringle has partnered with Giant Grocery and the Anacostia Farmer’s Market to receive fresh and locally grown produce. Additionally, as featured in the April issue of DC North, the planting of fresh fruits and vegetables on our 7th Street lot has commenced, thanks to the hard work and generosity of The 7th Street Garden Project. In 2005, BFC’s Medical Clinic launched Fit for Fun, graciously funded in part by the Consumer Health Foundation. Led by BFC nurse Rachel Newman, the program informs clients about the importance of good nutrition and exercise, incorporating one-on-one education with cooking classes and exercise ideas. Clients work individually on their weight-loss goals, supported by bi-weekly phone calls to check in. They then come together once a month to learn how to make a new, healthy recipe. Afterwards, clients enjoy the meal they prepare together, and receive a copy of the recipe so they can make it at home for their families. This time is also used for group discussion on topics such as portion control and ways to incorporate exercise into daily routines. “We try to push the envelope and get everyone to try new things, like whole-wheat pasta,” says Rachel. “We had one member with high cholesterol who said: ‘If only you could just make me not love Chinese food!’ So we developed a low-fat Chinese recipe, to show that you can eat your favorite things and still be health-conscious.” In addition to Ms. A.G., 15 to 20 BFC clients are benefiting from Fit for Fun at any given time. While our programs empower clients to take control of their health, Bread for the City staff are also engaged in advocacy work on behalf of all low-income DC residents. George Jones is an active member of the Mayor’s Commission on Food and Nutrition, which supports efforts including eliminating child hunger in the District and fostering sustainable farmer’s markets. Staff member Kendra Sudano works with the Fresh Food For All Policy Group, made up of local food providers and advocates. The group aims to increase access to fresh and healthful food and access to nutritional education for all DC residents. Kendra is also working with the Capital Area Food Bank, the distribution site for most local food pantries including Bread for the City, to improve the nutritional labeling of the products they sell. This will give food pantry directors like Mr. Pringle more information so that they may purchase the most healthful food possible for their clients. As Bread for the City works to advocate for and encourage a healthier reality for our clients, we need the support of the community. As you plant your garden this spring, plant an extra row or container for Bread for the City clients. Write to your Council member and ask that he or she support local farmer’s markets. And of course, continue to support Bread for the City with your monetary and in-kind donations. Your generosity empowers us to continue the work we do, and ensures that our clients receive the best services possible. Over-weight, obesity, and the health problems they bring do not have to be side effects of poverty. Join with us to break that cycle. Do you have a favorite simple and healthy recipe that you would like to share with Bread for the City? Email it to FitforFun@breadforthecity.org!
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