The South Bronx Diet: Stacked Against You

The South Bronx has the worst obesity and asthma rates in New York. What is it like to raise a family there?

by Fitsmi Staff

How do you describe someone like Taneesha? Her Twitter handle gives a few clues: “Mother, Model, Entrepreneur, Blogger, and DIVA.” But there’s more to Taneesha than the many hats she wears.

Taneesha grew up in the projects of South Bronx, where she now works as parent coordinator at the local high school. She is a single mom to a teen son, and she hosts an internet radio show. But perhaps most of all, Taneesha is a woman who cares—not just about herself and her family, but about her friends, her neighborhood, and the young people in the South Bronx, which has the highest asthma and obesity rates of New York’s five boroughs.

Taneesha sat down with Fitsmi for Moms and answered a few questions about how tolive healthy in a not-so-healthy neighborhood. She also did a walking "photo tour" of her neighborhood for readers who might not be familiar with the kind of poor urban environment she's talking about.  Read on to find out what she had to say.

What are the main obstacles you see families facing when it comes to making healthy food choices for their kids in South Bronx?

The parents are not well educated and just don’t know that there are better options. Unfortunately, a lot of the healthier options are far outside the neighborhood or are ridiculously expensive. At the local supermarket, for example, you can get a giant sugary cake for $2, or you could spend $1 for…one apple. White bread is cheaper than whole wheat. Vegetable and fruit prices are through the roof. I can go on and on about this.

What are your school lunches like?

Surprise! Our school meals are very well balanced and healthy. For lunch, we could have roasted chicken, vegetables, potatoes, milk or juice and a piece of fruit. Breakfast could be a whole-wheat bagel, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit. Unfortunately, there’s a stigma about eating “school lunch,” so most high school kids skip lunch or buy it outside. But the outside choices are all fast food. While out last weekend I took a walk that spanned about 22 blocks, and what I noticed was horrendous. Popeye’s, KFC, Burger King, McDonald’s, and Chinese takeouts were the only options.

If you’re coming home from work late and you don’t have time to cook or grocery shop, what are your options?

I usually cook Monday-Thursday and make enough food for leftovers. If for some reason I don’t get to cook, my son and I will dine out, and I usually try to make sure he is eating something healthy. He does have a weakness for mozzarella sticks and pizza, though!

What are your best tips for other moms who may live in similar neighborhoods and want to give their kids the best shot at lifelong good health?

I would say take a trip to a supermarket outside of your neighborhood. The quality of foods in the projects and some urban neighborhoods is extremely poor. Take a subway ride and visit Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods and see the difference. Also, look online for ideas about recipes and new foods you can introduce to your family. Buy fresh or frozen vegetables instead of cans, try new recipes, and invite friends over for a potluck (This is a great way to try new foods and have a party in the process!).

Know what your kids like, but expose them to new vegetables and foods. Children will be more likely to try something new if they help make it. For older kids, let them try making a dinner for the family once in a while. Once they see how much effort goes into preparing a meal, they may open up to new ideas and foods.

What are some obstacles to kids getting exercise and how can moms help?

There are a lot of NYC schools that don’t have a gym or access to a playground, which means kids are literally in school all day being told to sit down! Kids need to run and jump and play.

Walking is free! If the weather permits, take a family walk. Walk instead of driving or taking the subway.

How does being overweight or obese affect the lives of the families and kids you see in South Bronx?

I see a lot of kids and adults who are suffering from obesity and asthma. The rates are higher in the South Bronx than in any other New York borough. Kids suffer because children tease them in school, and they also are at risk for health problems. Adults suffer because they just don’t know how to help, or they know but are unable to because of cost or logistics.

For example, it is considered disrespectful in some families if you do not finish the food on your plate. Some parents even go so far as to tell children that there are kids starving and “Shame on you for wasting food!” So some children grow up accustomed to eating more food than necessary.

Time is also an issue. Moms are not home as much as they used to be, so you’re either cooking whatever is quickest, or you’re ordering take out. We need to teach our kids about growing their own fruits and vegetables, cooking more meals at home, reading labels, and curbing unhealthy eating habits, whether they’re overweight or not.

Who or what inspires you to keep trying to stay healthy when your environment seems stacked against you?

I just keep spreading the message to whoever will listen. No one is perfect, and the least we can do is share information and try to help each other.

Is it the parent’s fault if their child is obese?

If you are a parent who is constantly feeding your child junk food on a daily basis, I think you should take some responsibility. But if you are a family of four that has $150 to spend on groceries a month, you’re going to try and get what will last the longest. Unfortunately, those are usually the unhealthy choices.

How do you feel about Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign? Do you think it will make a difference?

I think it’s a great start and a step in the right direction, but I think it will take a lot more education and a lot more money.

What can schools do to become a healthier environment for kids?

I think schools should have more play time. Kids need to move throughout the day!

What do you think of using tax policy to discourage unhealthy eating, like raising taxes on fast food?

I think it’s stupid. People are going to continue to purchase the unhealthy options—the money these companies generate proves that. I think increasing the tax on fast food is an easy way to make money off of a sad problem.

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Note:  There is hope in the South Bronx -- Taneesha recently sent us an article about teenagers turning asphalt into vegetable gardens.  And Bronx officials recently held the first-ever food summit to teach residents about how to eat healthy, local, fresh food.

  Published April 30, 2010