Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the healthiest states in the nation. Yet health outcomes, and opportunities to live a healthy lifestyle, vary greatly depending on who you are and where you live. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota believes that all people, regardless of race, income, zip code or other factors, should have opportunities to live the healthiest lives possible. From smoking rates to life expectancy, income has an impact on our health outcomes. The smoking rate of Minnesota adults with an annual household income of $35k or less is 24.4% compared to 8.7% of those with household incomes above $75k. There is an eight year difference in average life expectancy between those living in the Twin Cities’ highest income areas and those living in its lowest income areas. In “The Music of Poverty” we look at what goes into putting food on the table, and sharing that meal together as a family living in poverty. Many thanks to Brittany Delaney, Amy Schmitt, Appetite for Change, The Terrarium and Quiet Island Films. Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. All rights reserved.