Improving food and nutrition security for newcomers presents an important opportunity for positive impact. According to a study by the Migration Policy Institute, populations (such as immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers) that are already experiencing systemic barriers to meeting basic needs are more likely to be food insecure. At the same time, immigrants face ongoing challenges in accessing federal food assistance programs, with only 51% of eligible immigrant households with children participating in SNAP, compared to 62% of all U.S.-born low-income households with children.
This guide, designed to aggregate resources on combating food and nutrition insecurity for newcomer populations, works to ensure that client-facing staff in newcomer-serving organizations are well-equipped to effectively and efficiently support food-insecure populations. Current research indicates that providing structured support through direct food assistance and nutrition education can lead to a 30% increase in food security among newcomer families. Additionally, a scoping review of culturally tailored interventions for ethnic minorities indicates that culturally responsive nutrition programs can improve dietary habits and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Ensuring that new staff are well-equipped to recognize needs and effectively deliver these services is crucial for the health and well-being of newcomers.
