Abstract
The Latine population in the United States is at least two times more likely to be food insecure compared to non-Hispanic whites. Access to food assistance and healthy food for many in this population may be limited by social and cultural factors (e.g., poverty, discrimination, racial inequities, lack of documentation, language barriers) and structural barriers (e.g., restrictive social, economic, and immigration policies). Poor health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression, which disproportionately burden Latine communities, are commonly associated with food insecurity (FI). Despite high rates of FI and health risks, this community has low enrollment in food assistance programs; eligible immigrants are less likely to enroll due to misinformation and fear of repercussions. Following our comprehensive FI survey among the Latine community in 2023 in rural western North Carolina, we conducted semi-structured interviews to gain a more substantive understanding of the experience of FI, including barriers to food assistance. We completed 22 interviews with both female and male participants between the ages of 22 and 55. Interviews were conducted by bilingual community members from the county health center. Our findings suggest FI is influenced by the increasing cost of food, a low-income status, with winter months particularly challenging when work is impacted, and difficulties accessing and using food assistance programs. Participants cited a lack of knowledge of existing programs, a dearth of culturally appropriate and fresh food, limited transportation, and difficulties in applying for and utilizing federal programs, including negative perceptions and experiences with aid programs.
Presenters
Kelly Ann RenwickAssistant Professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Appalachian State University, North Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Vectors of Society and Culture
KEYWORDS
Food Insecurity, Latine Population, Food Assistance Usage, Health Outcomes
