Working to eat: Vulnerability, food insecurity, and obesity among migrant and seasonal farmworker families

TLDR

Food insecurity and obesity threaten the health of migrant and seasonal farm workers, a problem linked to poverty, cultural lifestyle, and limited social support, as shown by a study of 36 Latino families in North Carolina. The study aims to examine how migration and working conditions relate to obesity and food insecurity among MSFW and to assess policy and workplace interventions that could reduce these risks. Researchers conducted content and nutrient analyses and non‑parametric statistical tests on data from 36 Latino MSFW families. Among the 36 families, 63.8 % were food insecure (34.7 % of those experienced hunger), 32 % of preschool children were food insecure, food‑secure families spent more on food, and obesity was common in adults and children but its link to food insecurity remained unclear.

Abstract

Food insecurity and obesity have potential health consequences for migrant and seasonal farm workers (MSFW).Thirty-six Latino MSFW working in eastern North Carolina whose children attended Migrant Head Start completed interviews, focus groups and home visits. Content analysis, nutrient analysis, and non-parametric statistical analysis produced results.MSFW (63.8%) families were food insecure; of those, 34.7% experienced hunger. 32% of pre-school children were food insecure. Food secure families spent more money on food. Obesity was prevalent in adults and children but the relationship to food insecurity remains unclear. Strategies to reduce risk of foods insecurity were employed by MSFW, but employer and community assistance is needed to reduce their risk.Food insecurity is rooted in the cultural lifestyle of farmwork, poverty, and dependency. MSFW obesity and food insecurity require further study to determine the relationship with migration and working conditions. Networking and social support are important for MSFW families to improve food security. Policies and community/workplace interventions could reduce risk of food insecurity and improve the health of workers.