Food habits and nutritional knowledge of Portuguese participants in an elderly nutrition program

Massachusetts has the largest population of immigrant Portuguese in the United States, yet few elder service programs specifically designed to meet their needs exist. Therefore, a special nutrition program was developed in Somerville, Massachusetts to provide culturally appropriate lunches twice a week, followed by socialization activities. A survey of the participants showed that only 11% of respondents met recommended intake of dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables, as determined by the Basic Four Scoring System. The most frequently lacking food among the remaining participants were fruits and vegetables, followed by grains, as well as dairy products. The recommended protein intake was met by all but two respondents. The majority of respondents were able to identify a high sodium food, a food high in Vitamin C, a nutritionally balanced meal, and identified calcium as a necessary nutrient throughout the lifespan. Fewer respondents were able to identify foods high in protein, high in calories, and high in fiber, although their diets contained substantial amounts of these nutrients.