While many immigrants come to the U.S. in pursuit of the “American dream”, the realities they face are often quite different from what they hoped for or anticipated. Immigrants experiencing economic hardship often face food insecurity, or in other words having consistent access to culturally appropriate and nutritionally sufficient foods. Some may live in food deserts – geographic areas characterized by low incomes, limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, fewer large grocery stores, and smaller stores with poorer quality (and often higher-priced) food items. Multiple research studies have shown that immigrant often report less fruit and vegetable consumption and increased consumption of calorie-dense, high-fat fast foods.
Several programs have been established to improve healthy eating in immigrant communities. Whether helping culturally adapt and make nutrition standards relevant to immigrants; providing access to fruit and vegetables that their families are familiar eating; or helping to make traditional recipes healthier, these programs and organizations are helping to ensure a brighter and healthier future for immigrant communities across the country.
NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health’s REACH FAR Program
The NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health, working closely with the Asian American advertising agency APartnership, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene and community partners, created REACH FAR (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health for Asian Americans). The program provides culturally and linguistically relevant materials to help support the goal of preventing cardiovascular disease in Asian American communities. They work with organizations to implement several key strategies: 1) increasing access to healthy foods and drinks in faith-based organizations; 2) increasing access to healthy foods and drinks in restaurants and grocery stores; 3) increasing access to blood pressure screenings and coaching efforts in faith based and community settings; and 4) Increasing access to translated, culturally‐tailored health information disseminated through pharmacists and health care providers.
Plate Planner (English)
Plate Planner (Punjabi)
Plate Planner (Bangladeshi)
Plate Planner (Korean)
Vayla New Orleans, Jacqueline Thanh, Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services, and the NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health's REACH FAR Program