Food Security and Nutritional Health of Newcomer Children

Abstract

The socioeconomic growth of some countries is impacted by immigration. For example, Canada has sheltered numerous refugees and promptly responded to the global refugee crisis. Food insecurity, dietary acculturation, inadequate access to healthcare, and poor nutrition are major contributing factors to newcomer health. For refugees, compared to immigrants, barriers to health include pre- and postmigration factors such as language, trauma, social stratification, and lack of access to healthcare. Newcomer children can be negatively affected by these inequities. Refugee children, specifically, are at higher risk of poor nutritional health. Studies on refugee children showed they were vulnerable to excess weight, chronic conditions, mental health issues, poor education, and poverty. Newcomer health decreases over time, which can increase the burden on the Canadian healthcare system. Limited information is available regarding the relationship between food security and social determinants of heath and how this affects unique subgroups of newcomers. Research is required to identify culturally appropriate and cost-effective ways to promote traditional food, and to assess nutritional quality and safety in Canada. Although Canada is used as an example, there is wide applicability to other countries where refugees have similar experiences and data regarding children is lacking.