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We were introduced to\u00a0Rebecca Sparks, MS, RD\u00a0by our very own Noni Vaughn-Pollard, aka @darkchocolatepeanutbutter<\/a> (you can find her Behind The Plate interview here<\/a>). In addition to being\u00a0Noni’s Nutrition Professor at New York University, Rebecca is the Nutrition Consultant for Head Start in New York, a governmental program providing services to low-income children and their families. Considering that\u00a0last month was National Nutrition Month, we were excited to\u00a0follow up with Rebecca and share her take on the current situation regarding nutrition across income levels.<\/p>\n <\/span> How do you define good food?<\/strong> Food issues have not quite made it into the race for President. If you could ask the future President to consider a food issue that needs to be addressed, what would it be?<\/strong> If you had to make (or are making) a food resolution this year, what would it be?<\/strong> What’s one of your first (and most memorable) interactions with food?<\/strong> If you could get the general population to change ONE aspect of their eating habits, what would it be?<\/strong> Who is your food inspiration?<\/strong> Tell us about what you’re working on right now.<\/strong> Where do you typically grocery shop?<\/strong> March was National Nutrition Month. What’s one good-food aspect of your diet that packs some nutritious punch?<\/strong> You work with low-income families. What is one thing you would like to see change that could help everyone eat well, regardless of income level?<\/strong> Are there any misconceptions you see surrounding nutrition about which we should be better educated?<\/strong>
\nTell us about Head Start.<\/strong>
\nHead Start is a government program started in the 1960’s to give low-income children a “head start” so they would be just as well prepared for school as more fortunate children. It provides services (including nutrition) and daycare for children 0-5 years old.<\/p>\n
\n“Know your farmer, know your food.”\u00a0Good food is grown without the use of fertilizers, pesticides or\u00a0herbicides. The less processed the food, the better it is. The more local the food, the better it is. However certain foods cannot be grown locally, such as coffee, citrus fruit, etc. Living in a global world, we can include these in our diet but Fair Trade Sources are encouraged. It would be an ideal situation if all people could afford to eat good food. Unfortunately with income disparities, that is a big challenge for many people. I recommend families to prepare food at home and eat as many fruits and vegetables in whatever form they can afford. And for all people to eat a variety of foods and a variety of colors in moderation and eat a family meal whenever possible. Most importantly, good food includes enjoyment!<\/p>\n
\nAt present there is a movement in the government to limit access to SNAP benefits by making it a block grant where states can make decisions of eligibility and access. This is a crime. Every American resident should be guaranteed the right to food.<\/p>\n
\nSupport new young farmers!<\/p>\n
\nIn 3rd grade I gave a report in school on scallops. They looked so good with their beautiful shapes. When I tasted them for the first time, they did not taste the way I thought they would. Now they are one of my favorite foods!<\/p>\n
\nCook and eat food at home instead of relying on takeout.<\/p>\n
\nJoan Gussow and Yotam Ottolenghi.<\/p>\n
\nI have found that many low-income mothers are still bottle-feeding their children at four years old. Children should be off the bottle and the sippy cup by one year old. To continue bottle feeding can lead to massive tooth decay, ear infections, speech delays, anemia and excess weight. With the increase in developmental delays that we are seeing among low-income children, it is essential that mothers be taught how to feed their children.<\/p>\n
\nIn my garden, at farmers markets, Green Carts, Fairway, Whole Foods, and Essex Market.<\/p>\n
\nKombucha<\/p>\n
\nThe biggest challenge that I think low-income people have is the stress of poverty and not knowing if there is enough money to buy food, pay for utilities, and cover health costs. If there was a way to change that by providing a livable minimum wage and empowering people to take charge of their lives, it would open the way for them to think about a better future.<\/p>\n
\nI am concerned with trends about foods such as gluten and dairy. Though I recognize there are many people who have intolerances and allergies, I also see a lot of people limiting their intake of these foods because other people say they should. It is more important to listen to your own body to learn how to eat healthfully.<\/p>\n