Maintenance and Change in the Diet of Hispanic Immigrants in Eastern North Carolina

• Published in: Family and consumer sciences research journal Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 309 - 335
• Main Authors: McArthur, Laura H., Anguiano, Ruben P. Viramontez, Nocetti, Deigo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2001
• Subjects: Acculturation; Consumer behavior; Diet; Ecological Factors; Economic Status; Ethnic Groups; Focus Groups; Food; Food safety; Hispanic people; Immigrants; Maintenance; Noncitizens; North Carolina; Nutrition; Nutrition Instruction; Obesity; USA; North Carolina; United States > US; USA, North Carolina
• ISSN: 1077-727X; 1552-3934
• DOI: 10.1177/1077727X01294002

The objectives of this descriptive, exploratory study were to assess maintenance and change in the food consumption, preparation, and purchasing practices of Hispanic immigrants currently residing in eastern North Carolina who had lived in the United States for no more than 10 years, and to identify underlying ecological factors and perceptions about food quality that shape their postmigrational food habits. The participants were 33 Hispanic immigrants: 8 males and 25 females. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews and a focus group session. Findings suggest that these Hispanic immigrants struggle to retain their cultural food traditions and are consuming more high‐fat, high‐sugar foods than they did in their home countries. Improved economic status and school food service offerings are examples of factors that promote dietary change among children and families. These influences and identified misconceptions about food safety and freshness are important topics for culturally sensitive nutrition education for this population.