Food Security among Libyan Migrants Living in Australia: A Qualitative Study

Reima Mansour, Pranee Liamputtong and Amit Arora
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Reima Mansour: School of Health Sciences, Campbelltown Campus, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Pranee Liamputtong: College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Gia Lam District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Amit Arora: School of Health Sciences, Campbelltown Campus, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 24, 1-20

Abstract: Food security among migrants and refugees is a concern across the globe, with the dearth of evidence on food labels and their influence on food security affecting disadvantaged communities especially. This paper discusses the experiences of food security among Libyan migrant families in Australia. The study is situated within the food and nutrition security framework. A qualitative approach was adopted with in-depth interviews conducted with 27 Libyan migrants. Thematic analysis identified three themes: food security, food label comprehension, and strategies for dealing with food insecurity and food labelling difficulties. Food security had different meanings to different individuals. Access to culturally appropriate ( halal ) foods was problematic for families in regional and rural areas due to a lack of availability outside the main cities. In terms of food labelling, the language and terms used were a common issue for most families in both rural and city environments. Many families attempted to find ways to counteract food insecurity; however, lower-income families found this more burdensome. It is crucial that health and social welfare providers consider means to reduce food insecurity among Libyan migrants to allow them to live a healthier life in Australia.

Keywords: culturally appropriate foods; food access; food availability; food affordability; food preferences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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