Understanding Children's Daily Approach to Their Food Culture: A Microsocial Study in a Marginalised Mexico City Neighbourhood

Florence L. Théodore, Clara Juárez‐Ramírez, Sandra Rosales‐Galindo, Diana Laura Reartes Peñafiel, Moisés Salazar‐ Sánchez, Jerónimo Monroy Figueroa, María Ángeles Villanueva‐Borbolla and Laura Elena Corona de la Peña

International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 2025, vol. 40, issue 4, 975-986

Abstract: Objective The aim of the research presented in this article was to understand children's daily approach to food in a marginalised neighbourhood of Mexico City as a proximal determinant of health to help improve the design of health and food services and programmes that support children in food insecure conditions. Method A qualitative‐ethnographic study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team. Data collection involved various methods and techniques: revision of secondary sources; ethnographic observation; individual interviews with key actors; focus group with the children's parents/caregivers; information generated by 30 children through drawings, collective activities, and spontaneous comments related to food during 10 workshop sessions. Results Our research sheds light on the intricate ways of children's perception and engagement with food and food culture in their everyday lives. Through firsthand accounts from people within children's immediate circles, we gained insight into the multifaceted dynamics shaping food preferences and the family's challenge to access nutritious options considering time constraints and scarce financial resources. Conclusion Effective food governance must consider how the history of territories has shaped people's food preferences, as well as understand the constraints of children's families in bringing about changes in food choices. There is a need to improve communication between managers and planners of health services and social programmes for children.

Date: 2025
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