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

Ashley L. Munger, Tiffani D.S. Lloyd, Katherine E. Speirs, Kate C. Riera, Stephanie K. Grutzmacher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1548-1556
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume17
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 13 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Food insecurity
  • Health
  • Latino immigrants
  • Qualitative research
  • Undocumented immigrants

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'More than Just Not Enough: Experiences of Food Insecurity for Latino Immigrants'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this