Eighth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

In 2016, 17.8% of the US population was of Latino/Hispanic origin making it the largest minority group. Latinos in the US have different eating patterns from the Non-Latinos, in addition to the diversity within them, leaving food as their common ground. Latinos eat the same food with different preparations and use many names for the same item creating confusion among themselves and health educators. Studies show that universal dietary guidelines may not be effective for different ethnic groups with distinct food preferences and needs. Therefore the purpose of this project is to raise awareness of the diverse eating patterns and food intake among the Latinos. The Latino Way Food Group was created based on field observations, public information and ecological data collected from Latinos. The significance of this model was further tested with focus groups, interviews and surveys. This revised Latino version of the USDA Food Group reflects their nutritional needs and food preferences. It also incorporates culinary traditions and eating patterns, acknowledging diversity of this group. The Latino Way Food Group intends to fill the gap left by the limited food and nutritional educational materials available by addressing the variety of cultural foods used by Latinos in the US. In addition, the Latino Way Food Group presents different names used by Latinos in the US for the same food item in English and Spanish and includes a culturally sensitive food group classification and a Latino Plate image.