‘Eating well’ in Pacific Islands countries and territories: A qualitative and normative approach to food cultures in New Caledonia

Abstract

In recent decades, the food cultures of the Pacific populations have undergone a profound transition, particularly because the increasing trade exchanges with Western countries have facilitated access to a wide range of processed foods. Essentially, a new normative model of eating is now taking the place of the traditional models. The aims of this qualitative study were to explore what 'eating well', 'good food' and 'bad food' now mean in the New Caledonian family context and, more broadly, to categorise the current food practices and representations in adolescents' families. A double qualitative methodology was applied: 59 face-to-face interviews with 30 parents and 29 adolescents in both rural and urban areas and 15 collective structured discussions with middle-school classes (11-to 16-year-olds) of almost 25 students each. The main results showed various normative frames for nutrition, food quantities, local provenance, and personal taste. Food practices were related to food availability (having a home garden or involvement in family farming), socioeconomic status and community. In addition, access to nutritional information, temporal and financial constraints mostly in the urban area, and the role of food socialisation between parents and children had an impact on food practices and perceptions. The permanence of food cultures, 2 mainly observed in families in rural areas, and the social inequalities in urban areas regarding food availability are highlighted. The positive perception of 'local food' as 'cultural', 'organic' and 'healthy' may help policymakers communicate clear messages to reach a sustainable food system.

Healthy Eating in Low-Income Rural Louisiana Parishes: Formative Research for Future Social Marketing Campaigns

“…One pervasive attitude was that healthy eating has negative financial impacts primarily due to the price of substituting healthier foods for unhealthy foods. Price has previously been identified as a major barrier to healthy eating in the US [ 6 , 8 , 12 , 13 , 14 ] and outside of the US [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. In this study, participants shopped at discount stores or outside of their local community (i.e., outshopping) to obtain better prices and quality foods.…”

“…Residents of rural and remote environments in Canada, Uganda, Australia, and the Pacific Islands countries reported that EDNP foods are more available due to increased trade. Consequently, EDNP foods are considered a barrier to the consumption of healthy traditional foods in their respective cultures [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Healthy eating promotions in these remote locations encourage the intake of traditional healthy foods shared with family and friends for the prevention of obesity and chronic disease [ 18 , 21 ].…”

“…The need for convenient meals [ 7 , 13 , 14 ], preferences of friends and family [ 6 , 7 , 14 ], and familiar taste predilections also influence food choices of low-income rural southeast US residents [ 6 , 8 , 14 ]. People living in rural and remote low-income environments outside of the US report high prices of healthy foods [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], low quality of produce [ 18 , 20 ], readily available highly palatable EDNP foods [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], and the importance of maintaining traditional ways to obtain food, such as hunting, fishing, or gardening [ 18 , 22 ].…”

What Makes Ultra-Processed Food Appealing? A critical scan and conceptual model

“…105 Purchasing a candy bar for one's child or eating out in a fast food restaurant can provide relief from the stresses of low-wage work and poverty, or a rare moment of tranquility when tired working parents can enjoy a meal with their family. [106][107][108] For those experiencing homelessness, UPF consumption is driven by practical considerations such as lacking a space to cook or store food and limited resources to spend on food. However, UPFs can also offer a chance to exert control in context of the limited privacy and limited food choices in shelters.…”

“…109 Among adolescents, the appeal of UPF can be driven by the social interaction and independence it confers, while adolescents who value home-cooked meals with their families report finding UPF less appealing. 63,100,108 Other research examines the ways fast food establishments have been deliberately designed to function as 'third places,' i.e., spaces that are neither fully public nor private where people can socialize, found to be especially important for older people. 110,111 On the other hand, for some adults, eating alone facilitates the consumption of UPF, 62 perhaps because it requires less effort than cooking for oneself.…”