Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 68, Issue 2, 2007, Pages 73-78

Food insecurity and dietary intake of immigrant food bank users (Article)

Rush T.J.* , Victor N.G. , Irwin J.D. , Stitt L.W. , He M.
  • a Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada
  • b Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada
  • c Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada
  • d Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada
  • e Public Health Research, Education and Evaluation Program (PREHD), Brescia University College, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada

Abstract

Purpose: The degree of food insecurity and dietary intake was examined in adult Colombians who are new immigrants to Canada and use a food bank. Methods: In-person surveys were conducted on a convenience sample of 77 adult Colombian immigrant food bank users in London, Ontario. Degree of food insecurity was measured by the Radimer/Cornell questionnaire, food intakes by 24-hour recall, sociodemographics, and questionnaires about changes in dietary patterns before and after immigration. Results: Thirty-six men and 41 women participated in the study. Despite being highly educated, all respondents had experienced some form of food insecurity within the previous 30 days. The degree of food insecurity seems to be inversely associated with income and length of residency in Canada. Total daily energy intake was low, with a mean value of 1,568.3 ± 606.0 kcal (6,217.5 ± 2,336.4 kJ). In particular, a large proportion of participants consumed a diet low in fruits and vegetables (73%) and milk and dairy products (58%). Conclusions: Colombian immigrant food bank users new to Canada experience various degrees of food insecurity, which is associated with inadequate food intake. Interventions are needed to assist this population with adapting to society while concurrently sustaining healthy eating patterns.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

physiology caloric intake human Food Supply diet Time Factors Colombia ethnology family size Nutritive Value Family Characteristics catering service income Humans Energy Intake male Canada female Article Ontario adult migration standard Emigration and Immigration nutritional value dairy product Dairy Products hunger time Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34250614340&doi=10.3148%2f68.2.2007.73&partnerID=40&md5=7d5cadc55b66f8a020164fc3cec59b10
DOI: 10.3148/68.2.2007.73
ISSN: 14863847
Cited by: 26
Original Language: English