About this episode
Episode 169: Food insecurity and Obesity in Kern CountyFuture Dr. Kim presents the problem of food insecurity in Kern County and how it is linked to obesity and liver disease. She shared several resources available to address food insecurity. Dr. Arreaza reminds us of the importance of improving access to fresh and healthy foods. Written by Judy Kim, OMS3; Mira Patel, OMS3; and Vy Nguyen, OMS3. Western University of Health Sciences. Editing and comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.You are listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California, a UCLA-affiliated program sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home. This podcast was created for educational purposes only. Visit your primary care provider for additional medical advice.Arreaza: Why did you pick this topic?Judy: While Kern County is known as one of the top-producing agricultural counties in the country, food insecurity is a major health disparity within this county. In order to dissect the problem of food insecurity in Kern County, we must first discuss the demographics and significance of this current topic. Among residents of Kern County, 23.1% are at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and 47.7% are low-income (200% of FPL or below), which is higher than that of California. Arreaza: What is food insecurity? In February 2023, we discussed the definition in Episode 128, but it is important to remember what it is. “Food insecurity is having limited, uncertain, or inconsistent access to the food necessary for a healthy life.” Another interesting fact is that it is estimated that 45% of undocumented immigrants in California are affected by food insecurity, including 64% of undocumented children (Source: 2021 CHIS).Judy: Food insecurity is strongly tied to numerous conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hepatitis, stroke, cancer, asthma, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. Thus, this problem must be explored and discussed to find ways to improve health outcomes. However, the first steps must focus on bridging gaps in accessing healthy and affordable foods. For example, consumers have consistently noted that reliable transportation is a barrier when even applying for assistance before accessing their benefits. Oftentimes, families experiencing poverty, a large number of residents in Kern County, are part of the migrant community, move frequently, and experience difficulties even completing the necessary paperwork for programs such as the Migrant Childcare Alternative Payment program. Arreaza: It may be off-topic, but I had to search what MCAP is. The Migrant Childcare Alternative Payment (MCAP) Program provides childcare services to migrant
