Dietary change among migrant and nonmigrant Mexican‐American families in Northern California

Abstract

Dietary data were obtained from 71 migrant and 69 nonmigrant low-income 1st-generation Mexican-American families. Among preschool children, average consumption from all food groups except vegetables was adequate. Most adults stated their diet had improved since moving to the USA. Dietary change was characterized by increased consumption of both basic and new foods, especially among nonmigrants, with considerable retention of traditional foods. There was no correlation between degree of change in traditional foods and degree of change in basic or new foods. Dietary change was a function of 2 or more independent trends. Different socioeconomic factors were related to the 3 components of dietary change. Bilingual children influenced adoption of new foods. Length of residence in the USA was not related to degree of dietary change. More migrants than nonmigrants held traditional beliefs proscribing certain foods during illness, pregnancy or lactation.