Correlation is not causation, but this is pretty striking: food deserts (2009) versus obesity rates (2007) by county:
Update, 3/7: More food for thought (pun intended). Here’s the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
Update, 3/25: And another from Feeding America.
Related link: Newsweek’s Divided We Eat: What Food Says About Class in America
Dear Beth,
Thank you for showing the striking similarities between our country’s food deserts and areas with increased rates of obesity.
During these next few months, we should all make an effort to fight this trend by donating fresh fruits and vegetables to local fod banks that service these areas.
Thank you again,
Margaret
Whoa! I live in Missouri, and it blows my mind that the state outline is so clear in dark blue on the bottom map (with a few black and light-blue highlights). Now, on the top map, we aren’t outlined clearly at all. We’re a combo of gold and yellow, with maroon highlights. Clearly, we are screwing up in our own way but with great state spirit. Hmmmm.