Post-Resettlement Food Insecurity: Afghan Refugees and Challenges of the New Environment

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Food Security Studies

Background:

• Ongoing war and humanitarian crises in Afghanistan create food access challenges for the Afghan population.
• Recently resettled Afghan refugees in the US encounter difficulties in obtaining adequate and nutritious food in new environments.
• This study specifically investigates food access and insecurity among Afghan refugees in California's San Joaquin Valley.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the multifaceted determinants of food insecurity experienced by Afghan refugees post-resettlement.
• To identify environmental, structural, and individual factors influencing food access for this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• Employed semi-structured, in-depth interviews.
• Collected data from key informants and newly arrived Afghan refugees to gather lived experiences and perspectives.

Main Results:

• Environmental and structural factors significantly impact food insecurity, including grocery store accessibility, availability of culturally/religiously appropriate foods, public benefit access, and public transportation.
• Individual factors such as religious/cultural practices, financial constraints, and language barriers are major determinants of post-resettlement food insecurity.
• Identified key barriers preventing Afghan refugees from accessing adequate and nutritious food.

Conclusions:

• Recommendations include increasing accessibility and affordability of culturally/religiously appropriate foods within the US food system.
• Enhancing collaboration between community volunteers and resettlement organizations is vital for direct assistance to new families.
• Continuous access to public benefits and ongoing examination of food insecurity and its health impacts in this population are suggested.