More than Just Not Enough: Experiences of Food Insecurity for Latino Immigrants

Abstract

Undocumented Latino immigrants often struggle to provide food for their families. In an attempt to inform efforts to create effective programs and policies promoting food security, this study explored the experience of food insecurity for low-income, undocumented Latino immigrants. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 undocumented Latino immigrants. Modified grounded theory was used to analyze the interview data. The experience of food insecurity was similar to other groups' experiences, as it entailed inadequate amount and quality of food. However, immigration and documentation status presented unique vulnerabilities for food insecurity related to unfamiliar food environments, remittances and separation, employment, and community and government resources. Cultural and structural factors that may shape the experience of and response to food insecurity are discussed along with implications for policy and programming.

Armed Conflict in Central America and Immigrant Food Insecurity in the United States

“…More data collection is needed to understand the detailed migration history of individuals and their time path of residence in countries exposed to armed conflict; to ascertain, more precisely, the location of premigration residence within countries of origin and to measure the proximity of these location of premigration residence to armed conflicts; and to specify in more detail the timing of armed conflicts in days, weeks or months, rather than the more broad measures for years of premigration armed conflict and years since premigration armed conflict; (4) our dataset lacked information on other potentially relevant premigration variables such as premigration banditry, police abuse, and social disadvantage; and (5) our research to date was limited by its entirely quantitative focus. Munger et al [3] show that much can be gleaned from qualitative data collection concerning specific experiences relating to food insecurity among immigrant populations concerning, for example, the ability to find and purchase culturally appropriate foods, and the availability of resources related to food insecurity and nutrition within local communities.…”

Food Hardship and Obesity in a Sample of Low-Income Immigrants

“…Preserving a traditional diet may hold nutritional advantages over transitioning to a Western diet [42], but financial constraints may pose challenges to maintaining a traditional diet. Immigrant and refugee families may find culturally-specific foods to be too expensive [43–46], or, when forced to make choices, they may prioritize less healthy foods that were in scarce supply in their home countries (e.g., choosing meat over fruits and vegetables) [3]. Qualitative studies have noted other challenges in selecting healthy foods after immigration, such as language barriers, poor quality food, unfamiliar food, or increased exposure to convenience foods [44,46–48].…”

“…Immigrant and refugee families may find culturally-specific foods to be too expensive [43–46], or, when forced to make choices, they may prioritize less healthy foods that were in scarce supply in their home countries (e.g., choosing meat over fruits and vegetables) [3]. Qualitative studies have noted other challenges in selecting healthy foods after immigration, such as language barriers, poor quality food, unfamiliar food, or increased exposure to convenience foods [44,46–48]. In another study of low-income New Yorkers that found no association between food hardship and obesity among foreign-born residents, the authors hypothesize that access to affordable ethnic foods in the New York metropolis could avert food insecurity and “slow the acculturation process” in this unique context [9].…”

A Feasibility Study of a Fit Kit School-Based Intervention to Improve the Health of Students and Their Families

“…Children and families experiencing food insecurity are more likely to consume nutrient-poor foods which have been correlated with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension [11]. As with obesity, food insecurity disproportionately affects Hispanic and non-Hispanic blacks, and those who are unable to access safety-net programs [12,13]. These immigrant families have also been shown to have limited knowledge of other food resources, either private or community [13], and could benefit from information about what is accessible in their area for which documentation is not required.…”

“…As with obesity, food insecurity disproportionately affects Hispanic and non-Hispanic blacks, and those who are unable to access safety-net programs [12,13]. These immigrant families have also been shown to have limited knowledge of other food resources, either private or community [13], and could benefit from information about what is accessible in their area for which documentation is not required. Schools across the United States have initiated programs to help reduce hunger at home for food-insecure families, with one of the most popular and widespread being backpack programs.…”