Post-Resettlement Food Insecurity: Afghan Refugees and Challenges of the New Environment

Zahra Goliaei (), Mariaelena Gonzalez, Karina Diaz Rios, Mamata Pokhrel and Nancy J. Burke
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Zahra Goliaei: Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Science, Touro University of California, Vallejo, CA 94592, USA
Mariaelena Gonzalez: Department of Public Health, School of Social Science, Humanities, & Arts, The University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
Karina Diaz Rios: Department of Public Health, School of Social Science, Humanities, & Arts, The University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
Mamata Pokhrel: Department of Public Health, School of Social Science, Humanities, & Arts, The University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
Nancy J. Burke: Department of Public Health, School of Social Science, Humanities, & Arts, The University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 10, 1-11

Abstract: Background: Lack of access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food is a major concern for the Afghan population due to ongoing war and humanitarian crises. Recently resettled Afghan refugees in the US continue to face challenges securing adequate, nutritious food resources in new environments. This study examined Afghan refugees’ food access and insecurity in the San Joaquin Valley, California. Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the perspectives and experiences of key informants and newly arrived Afghan refugees. Results: This study highlights environmental and structural factors (availability and accessibility of grocery stores; availability of religious-appropriate items in the stores; the public benefit received by a family; and public transportation) and individual factors (religious and cultural practices; financial and language barriers) as major determinants of post-resettlement food insecurity. Conclusion: Increasing the accessibility and affordability of culturally and religiously appropriate food items within the US food system, enhancing the collaboration of community volunteers and resettlement organizations in the direct assistance of new families, and providing continuous access to public benefits are possible steps to mitigate the risk of food insecurity among Afghan refugees. This study suggests a continuous examination of the degree of food insecurity in this population and its attendant health impacts.

Keywords: food access; food insecurity; Afghan refugees; food assistance; resettlement; United States (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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