How can children be obese and hungry at the same time? pot

How can children be obese
and hungry at the
same time?
Being Healthy is FUN:
On the Ground In…
Greensboro, North Carolina
What’s In Season for Spring?
What Happens “Between
the Covers”?
Between The Covers:
Recent Award Winners and
Other Good Books for
Spring Reading
Fruit Pizza
Springtime is Playtime!
Get Outdoors to
Get Healthy
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www.nbcdi.org
ChildHEALTHTALK
I
t may be surprising, but the truth is that hunger and
obesity can exist together in the same child, adult,
family or community. You might be wondering how
this is possible – but let’s think about the connections.
Obesity
Both problems are a plague on our communities,
especially in times of economic challenges. Ten
years ago, then-Surgeon General Satcher
released the Call to Action to Prevent
and Reduce Overweight and Obesity.
At that time, approximately 13%
of children and youth between
the ages of 2 and 18 were
considered overweight.
i
Since
that time, the word used to
describe children in this
category has changed from
“overweight” to “obese” and
the number has increased,
from 13% to 17%.

ii
For Black
children, the story is worse:
22.7% of African-American girls
and 17.3% of African-American
boys between ages 2-19 are obese.
iii
Research demonstrates the critical
consequences of childhood obesity, which has
been associated with Type 2 diabetes, high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and poor self esteem.
iv
In
addition, childhood obesity can become a lifelong
struggle: up to 80% of children who were overweight
when they were between 10 and 15 years old become
obese adults at age 25.
v
Hunger
Yet hunger, or food insecurity, rates are rising alongside
of obesity rates. Households that struggle to put food on
the table at some point during a year are defined as “food
insecure.” By this measure, one in four African-American
households are food insecure, compared to about one in
seven of all U.S. households – and almost 35% of African-
American children live in families that struggle to put
food on the table.
vi
Perhaps even more astonishing, 90%
of African-American children will receive SNAP (food

stamp) benefits at some point before they reach age 20,
compared to 49% of all U.S. children.
vii
Connecting the Dots
The phenomenon connecting hunger with obesity was
first explored by Dr. Bill Deitz, who posed the
question “Does hunger cause obesity?” in
his 1995 publication of the same
name.
v
iii
Dr. Dietz offered several
theories, including the body’s
desire to hold onto calories in
times of plenty in anticipation
of upcoming scarcity and/or
the possible over-reliance on
higher calorie foods that are
often cheaper.
ix
The article
provoked a flurry of studies
that have resulted in
somewhat mixed results.
Some studies have found that
the relationship between hunger
and obesity exists with girls and
not boys, in white girls but not
African American girls, and in those who
receive food stamps and are poor but not those

who are poor and do not receive food stamps. Other
research confirms the cycle of food deprivation followed
by overeating, and also identifies problems including
limited access to health care, fewer opportunities for
physical activity, high levels of stress, greater exposure to
obesity-related marketing, and, of course, limited
resources and lack of access to healthy, affordable foods.
x
The Role of Poverty
It makes sense: both hunger and obesity can result
from being low-income and living in areas that lack
access to food that fills you up and keeps you healthy at
the same time. Low-income families often live in low-
income neighborhoods, where healthy food is less
available and affordable. Fast food, used to make food
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continued on page 4
How can children be obese
and hungry at the same time?
BY WENDY L. JOHNSON-ASKEW, PH.D., MPH, RD
budgets stretch, can be cheap and filling – but not
nutritious. And remember, more than a third (35.7%)
of all African-American children lives in poverty, which
can explain why our children may be suffering not only
from hunger or obesity – but possibly both.

x
i
What can we do?
Research continues, as the well-respected Institute of
Medicine held a meeting last year to further explore the
relationship between hunger and obesity, which
resulted in many more questions and research that is
needed. From my perspective, this meeting
illuminated the need for advocates, caregivers and
parents supporting Black children to: a) understand
that food insecurity exists among our children; b)
obesity exists among our children; and c) we need to
advocate for the elimination of both conditions,
without focusing only on one or the other.
For more information about hunger and obesity, and
to advocate for federal and state nutrition programs
that help combat both problems, please visit the Food
Research and Action Center at www.frac.org.
■
i
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon
General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and
Obesity 2001. Ref Type:
Electronic Citation
ii
Defining Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Division of Nutrition,
Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion. 10-20-2009. Ref Type: Electronic
Citation
iii

NHANES data on the Prevalence of Overweight Among Children
and Adolescents: United States, 2003–2006. CDC National Center for
Health Statistics, Health E-Stat.
iv
Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, Lamb MM, Flegal KM.
Prevalence of high body mass index in US children and adolescents,
2007-2008. JAMA 2010; 303:242-9.
v
Whitaker RC, Wright JA, Pepe MS, Seidel KD, Dietz WH. Predicting
obesity in young adulthood from childhood and parental obesity. New
England Journal of Medicine 1997; 37(13):869–873
vi
Household Food Security in the United States, 2008. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, November
2009. (Table 2).
/>vii
Estimating the Risk of Food Stamp Use and Impoverishment During
Childhood. Rank & Hirschl. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent
Medicine, 2009. 163(11): 994-999. (Table 2). ical-
legalpartnership.org/sites/default/files/page/Estimating%20the%20Risk
%20of%20Food%20Stamp%20Use%20and%20Impoverishment.pdf
viii
Dietz WH. Does hunger cause obesity? Pediatrics 1995;95:766-7.
ix
Ibid.
x
Food Research and Action Center. “Hunger and Obesity? Making the
Connections.” February 2010. />xi
Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States:
2010. U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, September

2010. (Table 4 and Table B2). />p60-238.pdf
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4
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How can children be obese and hungry at the same time?
continued from page 3
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I
n the South, we love our food. In fact, Southern food
has its own distinct personality, with words such as
“comfort,” “soul,” and “down home” that are used to
describe our meals. For many, that “comfort” food
usually contains something deep fried, dripping with
butter, and washed down with some tea: sweet tea – the
sweeter, the better. It should therefore come as no
surprise that the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) reports that the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey found that nine of the top
ten states with the highest obesity rates are all in the
South.
In 2009, North Carolina tied with Michigan for the
number 10 spot on the list of having the highest obesity
rates for adults; was ranked at number 43 when looking
at the lowest fruit and vegetable consumption list; and
was number 11 on the list for the number of obese
children between the ages of 10 and 17. This data,
collected from the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor
Surveillance System, also showed that African-Americans

and Hispanics respectively had a 51% and 21%
prevalence of obesity when compared to whites. These
higher obesity rates were generally attributed to poor
nutrition and lack of physical activity and were linked to
diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart disease.
“Our affiliate usually focuses on programs that work to
narrow the academic achievement gap in the African
American community,” said June Swanston-Valdes,
5
BEING HEALTHY IS FUN:
On the Ground In…
Greensboro, North Carolina
continued on page 6
HEALTHY KIDS, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
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Executive Director of Black Child Development Institute
of Greensboro, Inc. (BCDI-G). “However, when the Get
Healthy Guilford Obesity Prevention Coalition reported that
in our county, 44 % of elementary students, 29% middle
school students, 30% high school students and 60.1% of
adults were either overweight or obese, and that if we
continue this trend, our generation of children might be
the first whose life expectancy is shorter than their
parents, we knew we had to do something. Because, in
the words of our founder Mrs. Sarah Walden Herbin,
“Who, if not us, will advocate for our children?“

This advocacy has taken shape in the form of a new
program. With support from NBCDI, The Wal-Mart
Foundation, and the Donna Joyner Foundation, BCDI-G
is partnering with The Hayes Taylor
YMCA, a facility that has been
serving the African American
community for over 50 years, to
implement Project FUN (Families
Understanding Nutrition). “We
wanted to send the message that
fighting obesity should be a family
event where making healthier
choices can be affordable and fun,”
says Swanston-Valdes.
To do so, BCDI-G will be hosting
two parent events where parents and
their children will learn how to
move together at home; they will
learn how to make quick, healthy
meals on a budget; how to
incorporate fruits and vegetables
into their “down home, comfort” meals; and how to
control portion sizes. To support the efforts of the parent
events, The Hayes Taylor YMCA is also working with
children in their after-school program to pilot the Donna
R. Joyner Foundation “GROW Green Get Fit”
curriculum.
The GROW Green Get Fit program aims to instill into
children the virtues of a healthy and positive lifestyle
based upon 5 key seeds of growth:

• Seed 1 – Physical activity 5 days a week will help our
bodies get stronger
• Seed 2 – We can grow 5 fruits and vegetables
ourselves
• Seed 3 – We can eat 5 fruits and vegetables each day
to practice eating healthier
• Seed 4 – Each week we can do 5 things to help others
• Seed 5 – we can volunteer to help others 5 times this
year
In addition to bringing movement and nutrition
awareness into the classroom, the children will have the
opportunity to plant and watch a garden grow as they
and their parents work together to bring a message that a
meal can be good and still bless your heart.
■
For additional information about Project FUN, please visit BCDI-
Greensboro’s website at www.BlackChildDevelopment.org, email
or call (336)230-2138.
“On the Ground In…” is a feature in Child Health Talk that will focus on
programs making a difference in improving the health of our children and
families in communities across America. To nominate a program that is
achieving great outcomes in your neighborhood or city, please call
(202) 833-2220 or email , subject line “On the Ground.”
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Being Healthy is FUN: On the Ground In…Greensboro, North Carolina, continued from page 5

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H
ere are some of the fruits and
vegetables that will be in season this
spring. Farmers’ markets may just be
starting up in your community, so check them
out or head to your local grocery or corner
store. Set yourself a challenge to try at least one
new fruit or vegetable on this list – we bet
you’ll find something you didn’t know your
family would love!
Don’t forget to let your child help prepare the
food for your family – they can mix, stir and
measure, which helps builds their skills in
math. You can also talk with them while you’re
getting dinner ready – that helps build their
literacy skills. This way, you’ll be feeding their
minds and their bodies!
Happy healthy eating!
■
Artichokes They’re not easy to eat – you have to trim the leaves first – but the flavor is worth the effort!
Steam them and eat with melted butter or other yummy dips.
Asparagus Did you know that if we left asparagus alone, the stalks would grow 4-6 feet tall? Instead,
we harvest stems while they’re young, and steam, roast or eat ‘em raw.
Beets The first spring beets, with greens still attached, are very tender and can be eaten sliced and

drizzled with olive oil, or turned into chips, grilled, or roasted.
Cherries Sweet cherries are available starting in late spring. These beautiful fruits are the perfect snack –
just make sure to watch out for the pits!
Fiddleheads Fiddleheads are the young shoots of ferns and are tasty steamed, sautéed, or pickled – but never
eat them raw because they can make you sick!
Grapefruit Grapefruit is at its best in spring. Cut it in half and top it with honey or sugar for a simple,
healthy and tasty breakfast.
Lettuce Lettuces are at their sweet and tender best in spring. Try them with a little lemon juice instead
of drowning them in salad dressing!
Peas & Pea Greens Enjoy them raw, steamed with some melted butter, with salads or in a soup. Tender pea greens –
peas on vines – are also delicious steamed or sautéed.
Rhubarb Rhubarb looks like stalks of pinkish green or magenta celery. It’s tart and delicious when cooked
into pies! Make sure to trim the leaves before you eat!
Strawberries Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in spring and early summer. They’re great by themselves or
added to salads and desserts.
What’s In Season for
SPRING?
I
n every issue of Child Health
Talk, we publish our section
on “Between the Covers,”
highlighting beautiful books
by African-American authors
and illustrators. This
invaluable resource helps
parents, caregivers and
teachers support and nurture
our children, who see themselves
and their families reflected in the
pages of these books.

Having books in the home and the classroom
are wonderful – visiting them in the library is great too!
But it’s not enough just to have the books available…we
have to read them as well. On the next page, you’ll see
some information about developmental literacy
milestones for young children, from our friends at Reach
Out and Read. Remember that each child develops at
his or her own pace, so don’t worry if your baby is ahead
or behind in one category or another. These milestones
are to give you an idea of how your child will progress in
his literacy development.
Remember that up until age 8, children are LEARNING
TO READ. But by the end of third grade, children begin
READING TO LEARN. This means that they will be
reading texts in every class from math to science to social
studies, and that they need to know how to read in order
to understand the content in all their different classes.
But reading can – and should – still be fun!
So here are some tips for making what happens
“Between the Covers” fun and exciting, starting right at
birth – or even before!
Talk, talk and talk some more
Low income children hear 30 million fewer words than
higher-income children by the time they are 3 years old.
This huge vocabulary gap has a major effect on children’s
school readiness, social-emotional health and academic
achievement. So remember that reading books is really
an opportunity to talk to your children, asking them lots
of questions and engaging in interesting conversations
about the topics, places and characters within the books.

Reading isn’t just about the words on the page!
Read every day
Yes, every day. Children crave routines, so set
aside a time of day – often before bedtime works
best – for you or a special adult to read with
your child. Depending on her age, let her turn
the pages, or use the pictures to tell you the
story. Toddlers may want to read the same book
over and over again – you might be getting tired
of it, but keep it up! This is how children learn.
Extend books through playtime
You can do activities at home or in your classroom to
build upon the words and themes in a book you and your
child love. If it’s an alphabet book, you can build letter
shapes with blocks, straws, playdough or silverware; point
out letters on street signs, license plates and food labels;
and think of other words that begin with each letter. Or
maybe you’re reading a book about animals – try visiting a
farm or a zoo; sing animal songs; make animal noises; and
draw animal faces on paper plates or bags and then put on
a play with the animals you’ve created!
Follow your child’s interests
Does she love dinosaurs? Does he want to talk about
trucks all day long? Find books that fit your child’s
interests. This works as they get older as well. Children
can read comics, graphic novels, manga, or anything they
find interesting – even if you don’t! You can always
check the Between the Covers sections for ideas about
books they can read – or talk to your local librarian.
For some more tips and information, check out:

• Reading Rockets
www.readingrockets.org
• PBS Parents
/>• Scholastic
/>• Born Learning
/>• Reach Out and Read
/>• Reading is Fundamental
/>■
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What Happens
“Between the Covers”?
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BETWEEN THE COVERS
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARDS – 2011
Author Winner
*Williams-Garcia, Rita (2010), One Crazy Summer, Amistad. When their
mother abandoned Delphine and her younger sisters, her father and
grandmother wanted them to get to know them, so the girls go to California.
When they get there, Cecile sends the girls to a camp run by the Black
Panthers where they learn the foundation for Delphine’s quest to reclaim her

mother’s love. Ages: 9-12
One Crazy Summer was also recognized as a Newbery Honor Book
Recent Award Winners
and Other Good Books
for Spring Reading
Dr. Toni S. Walters, Ph.D., Professor Oakland University
Dr. Vivian G. Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Marygrove College
Dr. Jonella A. Mongo Ph.D., Education Consultant & Adjunct Faculty
S
ince the last BTC
column, several
books by *African
American authors and
illustrators received
literature honors. Some of
these titles may have
appeared in another BTC
column, but we are
presenting them again here
in light of their recent award
recognition, along with
several other wonderful,
recently published books.
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A
uthor Honor Books
*Myers, Walter Dean
(2010), Lockdown.
A
mistad. Fourteen
year-old Reese has
eight-weeks left on his
sentence in a juvenile
detention facility. He
was selected to work
with senior citizens which
will make the time go by
quickly, if only he did not
have to deal with problems at the facility. Reese has to
decide whether or not to intervene when a young inmate
is bullied. His choice will determine whether or not
freedom is that important to him. Ages: Young Adult
*Neri, G. (2010),
illustrator *Randy
Duburke, Yumi: The
Last Days of a
Southside Shorty, Lee
and Low. In 1994 on the
Southside of Chicago, a

14 year old girl was killed
by an 11 year-old
gangster, Robert Sandifer
nicknamed “Yummy” for
his love of cookies and
sweets. G. Neri, retells the story in a graphic novel
through the fictional character Roger who struggled to
understand if “Yummy” was a victim or a bully. The reader
has an opportunity to “see” both sides. This tragic story
will tug at your heart and will stay with you long after you
finish reading it. Ages: 9-12
*Rhodes, Jewell Parker,
(2010), Ninth Ward, Little,
Brown Books for Young
Readers. Lanesha’s
experiences in New Orleans’
Ninth Ward before, during,
and after Hurricane Katrina
are bounded by her loving
relationship with her Mama Ya-
Ya. The spirits of hope, and
care breathes life into the
community that experienced
the wrath of one of the most devastating hurricanes in
recent history. Ages: 9-12
I
llustrator Winner
Hill, Laban
Carrick,
i

llustrated by
*Collier, Bryan
(2010), Dave the
Potter: Artist,
Poet Slave.
Little, Brown
Books for Young
Readers. At least
two things are known about 19th century Dave; he was a
talented potter able to make exceptionally very large clay
pots and he was a master of words. Dave lived in
enslavement in South Carolina. Ages: 4-8
Illustrator Honor
Golio, Gary, illustrated by * Javaka Steptoe (2010),
Jimi: Sounds Like a
Rainbow. Clarion
Books. Jimi Hendrix
– a phenomenal
legendary guitarist
was most influenced
to compose music
about the sounds he
encountered. His
music will forever
impact future
musicians. All ages
A few other good books to enjoy
Johnson, Jen
Cullerton, illustrated
by *Sonia Lynn Sadler

(2010), Seeds of
Change. Lee and Low.
After returning from
study in the United
States, Wagaria a
young Kenyan woman,
now a biologist spreads
continued on page 12
seeds of hope to young women across Kenya in the spirit
of “Harabee.” One tree at a time helped restore the
country’s vegetation in spite of self-serving greedy
r
esistors who had her imprisoned. She prevailed and in
2004 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Ages: 9-12
*Lisa Cline Ransome
& *James E. Ransome
(2011). Before There
Was Mozart: The
Story of Joseph
Boulogne Chevalier
de Saint-George.
During the 18th
Century, Joseph
became an amazing
violinist and composer.
The son of a white
plantation owner and a
black slave, he moved to Paris from the West Indies and in
spite of racial discrimination he prevailed in his quest to
become the “most accomplished man in Europe.” His

story is now available for today’s youngsters. Ages: 5-9
Adoff, Arnold, illustrated
by *R. Gregory Christie
(2011). Roots and Blues:
A Celebration. Clarion
Books. Blues, truly an
American musical
phenomenon has roots in:
the Middle Passage, the
harsh realities of
enslavement, Jim
Crow doctrines,
the mass
northern migration periods, and
contemporary struggles. Those links
become evident through Adoff’s
poetic voice and Christie’s artwork.
Ages: 9-12
*Ransome, James E.
(2010). A Joyful
Christmas: A Treasure
o
f New and Classic
Songs, Poems and
Stories of the
Holiday. Holiday
House. Although this
may appear to be a
seasonal book, the
classics songs such as “Silent

Night” and the “Twelve Days of Christmas” along with
newer stories and treasures can be ordered early in the year
to be sure this wonderful collection makes it to homes,
libraries, and bookstores in time for the holidays. Besides, it
also can provide year round enjoyment. All ages.
THE BTC TEAM:
Dr. Toni S. Walters – Professor at Oakland University in
Rochester, Michigan
Dr. Vivian G. Johnson – Associate Professor at Marygrove College
in Detroit, Michigan
Dr. Jonella A. Mongo – Education Consultant & Adjuct Faculty
Member at Oakland University.
A Note to Authors and Publishers
We encourage authors and publishers to send advance review copies
and newly released books for children to: Dr. Toni S. Walters, SEHS,
Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309
The Between the Covers team will review them for consideration in
future columns.
12
Between the Covers, continued from page 11
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Send your favorite Summer recipe to and we’ll publish one winner in the next issue of Child Health Talk!
Enjoy a sweet and healthy dessert that everyone in the family can love! Start by going to a farmers’
market or grocery store and picking out some fresh fruit with lots of colors. Then come home and
make this super-easy, creative treat with your kids.
FRUIT PIZZA

Ingredients:
• 1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• 2 packages cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
•
1
/
2 cup sugar
• Cut fresh fruit (you can use canned fruit, but
make sure to drain it well)
Instructions:
1. Spread out the cookie dough in a pan, or
cut it into circles, and cook as directed.
2. In a bowl, soften the cream cheese (leave it
out or use a microwave).
3. Add in the sugar and vanilla and mix well.
4. Spread this cream mixture onto the cooked but cooled cookie.
5. Arrange the fruits in circles or in any way you like!
6. Serve and enjoy.
Questions:
While shopping, preparing and serving this delicious dessert, here are some suggestions for questions you
can ask your child to get conversation flowing!
• Shopping: Which fruit is your favorite? Why do you
like it? Is it sweet? Sour? What color is it?
• Preparing: What pattern should we make with the
fruit? Do we want to make a circle? What other
patterns or shapes can you think of? If we have a
kiwi, then a strawberry, then a kiwi, which fruit comes
next?
• Serving: How are we going to cut the fruit pizza?

Should all the slices be the same size? What shape are
the slices? How big is half the pizza? What about a
quarter of the pizza?
13
N A T I O N A L B L A C K C H I L D D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E
•
C H I L D H E A L T H T A L K
•
S P R I N G 2 0 1 1
14
W
e know that positive nutrition is only part of
being healthy; active living and physical
activity are just as important – for kids and
adults! As the weather gets nicer, it’s easier to be
outside: on the playground, the backyard, the fields or
the courts. Make sure you’re taking advantage of these
opportunities by adopting the following strategies:
• Encourage and remind your children to be active on
a regular basis
• Be physically active role models
• Set limits on the amount of time you and your
children spend watching television and playing video
or computer games
• Plan and participate in family
activities that include physical
activity (e.g., walking or bicycling
together instead of driving)
• Make time for physical activity in
family events such as birthday

parties, picnics, and vacations
• Be an advocate for safe
neighborhoods and playgrounds, as
well as quality facilities, fields and
programs at your child’s school and
in your community
• Support and use the sports and
recreation facilities that do exist in
your community
• Encourage your child’s school to include high-
quality and daily physical education, health
education, recess, and extracurricular activities
• Help your community to start and fund programs
that motivate community members to walk, bike and
use public transportation
One way to make sure your kids spend time every
week being active is to sign them up for sports.
Although there are lots of informal opportunities for kids
to play and be active, organized sports provide many
benefits beyond physical activity. And remember, your
kid doesn’t have to be the next Michael Jordan to play
ball! There are lots of great reasons to
get your children involved in sports
and teams:
• They promote a healthy sense of
self and encourage positive self-
esteem
• They teach kids how to be a team player and think
about how their actions affect other people
• They help children learn about how to set and

achieve goals
• They help children develop time management skills
and balance competing priorities
There are a lot of great skills children and youth can
gain from being a part of a sports team, but most
importantly, they should be having fun! Childhood
only lasts so long but having positive experiences will
last a lifetime – so get outdoors, get healthy, and have a
great spring!
■
N A T I O N A L B L A C K C H I L D D E V E L O P M E N T I N S T I T U T E
•
C H I L D H E A L T H T A L K
•
S P R I N G 2 0 1 1
SPRINGTIME IS PLAYTIME!
Get Outdoors to
Get Healthy
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