Poverty & Health: Inextricably Connected
August 7th, 2015
The relationship between poverty and health outcomes is well documented, and nowhere is the connection more evident than in Mississippi. In addition to having the highest poverty rate in the country, Mississippi ranks at the top with high rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension among adults and children. These high rates of chronic diseases are influenced by the fact that Mississippians consume fewer fruits and vegetables than any other state on a daily basis.
One of the contributing factors to higher rates of obesity and chronic disease is the limited access to healthier foods in low-income communities. As a result, there has been an increased emphasis on creating access to fresh, healthy foods, including work by HOPE in financing grocery retailers in economically distressed communities.
The high prevalence of chronic diseases underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive policy strategies that create access to fresh food retailers in Mississippi. Access to healthier foods provides not only health benefits to these underserved populations, but also creates economic opportunity like job creation and community development.
Ahfiya Howard, Policy Intern
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