Latino Group’s Drive Urges Healthy Eating Habits

In response to the rising rate of diabetes among Latinos, a Latino health organization has launched a campaign to promote healthy eating habits.

The nonprofit group Latino Health Access will take orders for low-fat, low-sodium tamales in Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties until mid-November and deliver them during the last week of November and the beginning of December.

Funds raised from the “Tamales for Health” drive will be used to expand the Santa Ana-based organization’s health education programs.

In Los Angeles County, more than 700,000 people have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Assn. Latinos suffer the highest incidence rate, with one in seven having diabetes. One in 10 Asian Americans, one in 13 African Americans and one in 19 whites have the disease.

The tamales cost $1 each and five kinds--chicken mole, beef, pork, epazote, and cheese and vegetable--will be made by volunteers in Santa Ana.

Information: (714) 542-7792 or (714) 280-0310.