All over the country it is more expensive to eat healthier for most meals, which is hard for ones without a home to access due to their situation.
When shopping for healthier food you must most times go to the grocery store and shop for what is needed. For the homeless it takes up a lot of energy and time. After buying food they must then carry it around with them everywhere they go which leaves them open to get robbed by others just as hungry or even hungrier. Processed food is the inexpensive and safest way to go. Eating healthier also may take more to get you full which is not a luxury that they have. Also, they must have the tools to then cook the food that they purchase. Not many homeless have pots and pans with them to cook healthier food. It is smarter, in the short term, to eat more substance rather than healthier.
Even when the homeless find a shelter for the night it is not the most nutrition efficient either. "Food available to homeless individuals through shelter feeding facilities are high in fat, low in fiber, and lack the required daily nutrients, according to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council"(House for the Homeless). Places where they feel comfortable physically does not have the good nutrition needed for healthier living.
Some homeless have health issues where eating a certain way is imperative to their survival, such as diabetes. The way of eating as a homeless person does not line up with certain dietary needs. This makes their health problems even more dangerous. Overall it is important for all people to have access to their dietary needs. It will be combated through work from CDC's and city planning to reach the goal of homeless people to get what is needed both physically and mentally. Being homeless can cause depression and anxiety. There are many places for homeless to sleep, through shelters but not food choices. There should be just as much food sources for them as much is it is to sleep!
Hands on Greater Portland
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