If Mississippi is the fattest state in America, why is Tyson giving away free fried chicken?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Program aims to reduce hunger in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the nation, yet it also has the highest percentage of households unable to afford enough food for a healthy lifestyle.

It seems like a contradiction, but state Agriculture Commissioner Cindy Hyde-Smith says the two problems are intertwined with poverty.

"You think hunger-obesity — where's the connection here? It's because much of these people do not have access to healthy foods," Hyde-Smith said Thursday during the announcement of a hunger-fighting effort.

The nonprofit National Urban League and meat processor Tyson Foods Inc. are starting a yearlong program to alleviate hunger for about 19,000 people in three Mississippi counties — Hinds County, which is home to the capital city of Jackson, and Warren and Adams counties, which border the Mississippi River.

Arkansas-based Tyson is donating 30,400 pounds of chicken, and the program aims to improve food distribution to the needy through Mississippi Food Network and other organizations. Officials also plan events to teach people to prepare nutritious meals with little money and to use coupons to stretch the grocery budget. The sessions also will offer information about registration for food stamps, called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06-22/program-aims-to-reduce-hunger-in-mississippi

[rocks 494]

It's great that Tyson are helping. The sad thing is, people will probably end up frying it. Everything is fried here. People who can afford to live a healthier lifestyle don't. They need proper education on HOW to cook healthily and alternatives to their unhealthy options. Portion sizes would be a good start, along with cutting out all the sweet tea. Sometimes I wish Jamie Oliver would have come here and tried to teach people to cook. In the south of the state we have lots of seafood, but it is always fried. If it was prepared in a different way, without fries and hush puppies etc, it could be healthy!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

It's great that Tyson are helping. The sad thing is, people will probably end up frying it. Everything is fried here.

That's right. Chicken, pork, beef, fish - it all ends up fried. I suspect they'd fry otherwise healthy vegetables, too. Don't remember where exactly that was (somewhere in the lovely south for sure) but I did try fried broccoli once. Quite yummy but I suspect it's not as healthy as it was before it hit the batter and frying pan.

[rocks 494]

That's right. Chicken, pork, beef, fish - it all ends up fried. I suspect they'd fry otherwise healthy vegetables, too. Don't remember where exactly that was (somewhere in the lovely south for sure) but I did try fried broccoli once. Quite yummy but I suspect it's not as healthy as it was before it hit the batter and frying pan.

Never had fried broccoli, sounds interesting. I'm sure it isn't very good for you. Neither are battered and fried green beans, battered and fried okra, sweet potatoes smothered in marshmallows etc. All of these things are fine in moderation. So is sweet tea. Unfortunately most people don't seem to know what moderation is, or exercise.

Edited July 12, 2012 by rocks

[X Factor 1,112]

Might be a campaign ploy imitating the 1928 presidential campaign of Herbert Hoover who promised "a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage?"

Udate - a FRIED chicken in every pot.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Never had fried broccoli, sounds interesting. I'm sure it isn't very good for you.

You ought to try it. It's good for you alright. If what you worry about are them tastbuds of yours, that is.

[rocks 494]

You ought to try it. It's good for you alright. If what you worry about are them tastbuds of yours, that is.

If I see it I definitely will. It's nothing a little exercise can't fix.

[X Factor 1,112]

What about trying deep friend twinkies

[rocks 494]

What about trying deep friend twinkies

How about some battered, deep fried kool aid?

Or a deep fried milky way?

[rocks 494]

I feel really sorry for Americans who are going to die from over weight - the junk food here is obscene in its disregard for human health.. Of course one does not have to eat it - so it's education plus pressure from health organizations and schools that is needed

The problem we have in Mississippi is if you don't make food at home there really aren't many alternatives. There's a Wendy's/Waffle House/McDonald's/etc on every corner. People eat this stuff for lunch every day because they don't have time to make their own lunch. Or they go to a local place and get a "plate" of something with enormous sides, which is probably enough to feed 3 or more people. Then for dinner they do the same. The healthiest option I can think of right now is Subway or McAlister's, and that is by no means healthy, especially not when they get the sweet tea.

When I went to Washington state I was quite surprised that they had the calories listed in fast food restaurants, that should be everywhere! I miss the calorie facts on food packaging from the UK too. Most people don't turn the packet around to look at the calories, you can't avoid it if it is on the front with the fat/salt/sugar content though!

[X Factor 1,112]

How about some battered, deep fried kool aid?

Never heard of battered, deep fried kool aid

[rocks 494]

Never heard of battered, deep fried kool aid

It looks as disgusting in real life as it does in the picture! No idea how it tastes, probably as bad as kool aid.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

[X Factor 1,112]

It looks as disgusting in real life as it does in the picture! No idea how it tastes, probably as bad as kool aid.

So I guess you don't have to drink the cool aid anymore.

[rocks 494]

So I guess you don't have to drink the cool aid anymore.

Nope! It's even more healthy this way!