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By Dr. Brian McDonough
Filed Under:diabetes, Healthy Diet, Healthy Foods, Heart Health, poverty, Unhealthy Foods
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: French fries from a fast food outlet is seen on January 7, 2013 in Bristol, England. A government-backed TV advert - made by Aardman, the creators of Wallace and Gromit - to promote healthy eating in England, is to be shown for the first time later today. England has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe - costing the NHS 5 billion GDP each year - with currently over 60 percent of adults and a third of 10 and 11 year olds thought to be overweight or obese. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)(credit: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – When it comes to health, there is a definite price that those who are economically challenged have to pay. Perhaps the greatest price is one that takes years to reveal itself. I am talking about the toll that poor dietary choices put on people.

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We all know that many Americans go hungry every day and hunger can lead people to buy more inexpensive foods they know are not good for their health.

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According to a new survey, about 80 percent of them make bad food choices and delay rent or utility bills to pay for food. Practices like these have real health consequences.

In about 1 in 3 households receiving food assistance, at least one household member has diabetes. In more than half of these households, at least one member has high blood pressure.

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One of the major concerns is making healthier foods available at reduced costs.