1. IOM-WIC March 31, 2016
Challenges to Nutritional Health Faced by Mexican-American and Mexican Immigrant Children and Families in Texas Border Colonias
Joseph R. Sharkey, PhD, MPH, RD
Program for Research and Outreach-Engagement on Nutrition and Health Disparities Solutions
School of Public Health
Texas A&M Health Science Center 1

2. Game Plan Cultural appropriateness in context
Appropriateness and adequacy of the 2009 food package changes and gaps
Gaps in access to foods
Gaps in nutrition education
Participation – start and stay
Missing links

3. Resources Nutritional Health Individual Economic Community Family
Sharkey et al., BMC Pediatrics (2013)

4. Contextual Domains Resources
Individual
Economic
Family
Community
Resources
Cultural
Network
Personal
Sociopolitical
Sharkey et al., BMC Pediatrics (2013); Ashing-Giwa, Ethnicity & Disease (2005)

5. Cultural Appropriateness in Context
Low-income and low-education populations in functionally rural areas
Varied food preparation and storage
Single Hispanic/Latino-targeted approach fails to meet the needs of Mexican immigrants for whom the “usual” program does not apply
Locational disadvantage
Reinvent tradition

6. Food Package Acceptance
IOM-WIC March 31, 2016
Food Package Acceptance
Information on changes
Whole wheat (everything?)
Cheese
Milk
Where’s the meat (and chicken and fish)?

7. Gaps in Locations Product availability
Alternative food sources, such as pulgas

8. Participation Start and Stay
Awareness
Transportation
Perception of eligibility
Location
Hours
Limited community outreach

9. Gaps in Nutrition Education
Package options
Tailored to context
Reinvent tradition
Stretching meals
Hands-on cooking
Seasonal recipes

10. Missing Links Community engagement Outreach Voices of the participants
Promotoras de salud