USC Annenberg Program - Stephanie Innes and Mariana Alvarado

I'm looking forward to going to Los Angeles Oct. 4!

Working with my colleague, Mariana Alvarado, I'll be reporting on a project about the link between obesity and poverty in children. The Tucson area has a higher-than-average rate of poverty, which disproportionately affects ethnic minorities. Obesity is widespread in those populations and is particularly rampant among Hispanics and American Indians, who are developing type 2 diabetes at increasingly young ages.

Our food supply, education system and public health policies all play a role in a problem that is growing both locally and nationally.

Also, an American culture where parents are working two jobs and kids are often at home playing video games and watching television, is part of this national crisis.