New research from the UW center for Public Nutrition shows a link between income and healthy eating. Researchers concluded that the poorer you are, the more likely you are to struggle with obesity and diabetes.
It's a trend that's caught the attention of food coordinators at Northwest Harvest. They’re trying to combat the problem by using their donations to provide more healthy food.
Clients like Stephanie Sipple say it provides a healthy and cheap option. With five mouths to feed at home, Sipple says putting food on the table is tough.
“Sometimes I don't know how we’re going to eat because it's so expensive,” she said.
Sipple says nutrition is another issue.
“It's a challenge every day,” she said.
Sipple is one of many taking advantage of the bounty at Northwest Harvest, where it looks more like a farmer's market than a food bank.
“60% of what we give out is fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables and we're going to be increasing that a little more with a real emphasis on fresh,” Deborah Squires explained.
They’re reaching out to a population that struggles with obesity and diabetes, but Squires says public perception is part of the problem
“The first inclination on seeing someone who's overweight is to say they can't be hungry actually it's more likely that they are,” Squires said.
Clients say they're grateful for the options and information.
“I try to take very good care of my health,” Jon Bingham said.
Today’s plums are big hit with Stephanie Sipple's little ones. She’s glad to get them that she can afford.
“It's easier access for the kids to eat healthy.”
