12571_2020_Article_1140

Overview of Cultural Food Security and Identity

• Cultural food security is crucial for physical and mental well-being.

• Foodways—preparation, sharing, and consumption—express one's cultural identity.

• Lack of access to cultural foods can lead to stress, identity issues, and impact well-being, particularly among second-generation U.S. American college students.

Cultural Background

• Second-generation Americans are those born in the U.S. to at least one foreign-born parent.

• Rapid growth in this population since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.

• Represented 12.3% of the U.S. population in 2018; projected to play a significant role in U.S. demographics until 2065.

Unique Stressors Faced by Second-Generation Students

• Face acculturation stress, cultural barriers, and discrimination leading to poor mental health outcomes.

• Balance between ethnic identity and American identity can create additional stress.

• Strong ethnic identity linked to better well-being among diverse groups.

Importance of Foodways

• Foodways are instrumental in maintaining and expressing cultural identity.

• Cultural foods evoke familial memories and provide comfort, belonging, and emotional stability.

• Familiarity with traditional foods helps students navigate cultural transitions and maintain connections with their heritage.

Consequences of Cultural Food Insecurity

• Absence of cultural food leads to negative feelings such as anxiety and depression among students.

• Discussion of cultural food practices fosters identity and strengthens connections with family and communities.

• Practical challenges include financial barriers, lack of accessible cultural food options, and limited cooking resources.

Key Research Findings

1. Identity and Well-being

   • Loss of cultural foods leads to deterioration of cultural identity and personal guilt.

   • Students struggling with language loss often experience feelings of shame.

2. Foodways as a Connection to Identity

   • Food practices are intertwined with cultural identity formation.

   • Positive experiences associated with food can promote well-being.

3. Impact of Americanization

   • Students felt they became Americanized negatively affecting their cultural identity.

   • Many students express feelings of losing part of themselves when unable to practice their cultural foodways.

Barriers to Cultural Food Security

• Difficulty in finding traditional cultural foods and ingredients in college towns.

• High costs and limited availability of authentic ingredients exacerbate food insecurity.

• Students often rely on non-traditional foods due to convenience, which leads to feelings of isolation.

Implications for Universities

• Increase access and availability of cultural foods to cater to diverse student populations.

• Create programs that support cultural food practices and foster a sense of community.

• Address food insecurity specifically among second-generation students by implementing tailored programs and resources.

Research Gaps

• Limited qualitative research on second-generation Americans' food experiences.

• Need for further studies to understand how cultural food security impacts health and social outcomes distinctively across different cultural and ethnic groups.

Conclusion

• Cultural food security is vital for fostering a sense of identity and well-being among second-generation American college students.

• Universities and communities need to address barriers to cultural food access and provide supportive environments to help these individuals thrive academically and socially.