There’s a paradox in Oregon’s hunger picture: Families who are short on food may end up overweight. That’s because dollars stretch farther on “high-energy” foods (noodles, bread and other carbs) than on “high-nutrient” foods (fresh fruit, fish, poultry and other vitamin- and protein-rich items).
Trouble is, when people struggle with “food insecurity” (spotty access to regular meals), their needs can fly under the radar when they visit a clinic or a doctor’s office. Shame often keeps them silent about their predicament. As for physicians and nurses, they may be hesitant to broach such a sensitive subject.