Food Insecurity Among Immigrants: New Study Challenges Common Assumptions About Diet Quality
New research from the University of Montreal reveals that food insecurity among immigrants using food banks does not necessarily translate into poorer diet quality, challenging long-held assumptions about the relationship between food insecurity and nutrition.
A study published this week examined the connections between food insecurity, food skills and diet quality among immigrants accessing food banks in Quebec. The findings suggest that, contrary to expectations, there is no clear link between the level of food insecurity and the quality of the diet among this group. The study found that having better food skills—such as meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation—did not improve diet quality, as measured by the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and overall dietary variety.
“In the general population, food insecurity is often linked to lower diet quality,” explains Sarah Bonin, lead author of the study and a graduate student at the University of Montreal. “But among immigrants, the picture is less clear. Our research shows that even when people experience food insecurity, their diet quality—based on the indicators we used—does not necessarily suffer.”
The study, part of the larger PARCOURS project, analyzed data from 224 newly registered users of food banks across 106 locations in Montreal. The PARCOURS project, coordinated by Federico Roncarolo of the University of Montreal’s Public Health Research Centre, aims to better understand the experiences and health impacts of first-time food bank users.
Participants in the study had a median fruit and vegetable consumption frequency of three times per day, and their average dietary variety score was 16 out of 20. However, researchers noted that while the frequency and variety of food consumption were relatively high, the actual quantity of foods consumed may not always meet recommended portions.
“While our participants consumed fruits and vegetables regularly, it doesn’t mean they were eating enough,” Bonin clarifies. “The tools we used measured how often and how varied their diets were, but not the actual amounts consumed. Someone might eat vegetables daily, but in insufficient portions.”
This research highlights the complexity of food insecurity among immigrants and the need for targeted interventions that address both access to food and the broader determinants of health. The findings could inform community programs aimed at empowering immigrants through food skills training and other support services.
The study was conducted as part of a broader effort to understand the factors influencing food insecurity and its impact on health among vulnerable populations in Quebec.
Why it matters: Food insecurity affects millions of people worldwide, and immigrants are often at higher risk due to language barriers, unfamiliarity with local food systems, and lower incomes. Understanding the nuances of diet quality among this group can help shape more effective public health strategies and community support initiatives.
