Experience of Food Insecurity and Cultural Foodways: A Case Study with Newcomer Mothers from Nigeria Living in Urban Nova Scotia
Date
2025
Authors
Oyagbohun, Adeola Victoria
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mount Saint Vincent University
Abstract
Background: Household food insecurity (HFI) disproportionately affects recent newcomers to Canada. Rates are even higher among households with children and those of African descent, with race and migration status amplify vulnerability. Monitoring of HFI at the population level, however, does not capture access to culturally appropriate food. Understanding how disruptions in cultural foodways affects the experience of HFI among racialized newcomers is of particular concern for
urban communities such as the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), Nova Scotia, where newcomers exceed a third of the population.
Research Question: This study explored how and why changes in cultural foodways impact the food security of newcomer Nigerian mothers with young children living in urban Nova Scotia. It specifically aimed to examine how changes in food practices affect mothers’ immediate food security situation and their long-term ability to maintain their cultural food identity.
Methods: An exploratory qualitative multi-case study design was used for this study. Six Nigerian mothers who had lived in HRM for five years or less, had young children, and had experienced food insecurity were purposively recruited as the “cases”. Data were collected using a participatory approach that included semi-structured individual interviews with two of the six participants as lead participant researchers, and subsequently two small group (n=3) workshops where participants
prepared and shared a traditional Nigerian meal together and participated in facilitated group discussions. Data organization and thematic analysis were supported by MAXQDA 24 software and informed by the Dietary Transition Trajectories Framework and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory.
Findings: Participants' experiences of food insecurity were shaped by precarious employment, the rising cost of living, high prices of cultural foods, and limited access to culturally appropriate food sources. Mothers adopted coping strategies such as bulk purchasing, ingredient substitutions, travelling long distances for food, and collaborative buying networks. Although some used food banks, the lack of culturally appropriate options often reinforced feelings of exclusion, stigma, shame,
and helplessness. Emotional impacts included anxiety, guilt, and concerns about children being disconnected from their cultural roots and developing unhealthy eating habits. While some mothers gradually integrated Canadian foods into their diets, others remained strongly attached to traditional foodways, highlighting the deep link between food, cultural identity, and emotional well-being.
Implications: This study advances understanding of how changes in cultural foodways intersect with food insecurity for racialized newcomer mothers with young children, and their families. It highlights the need for theoretical models of food insecurity to better account for cultural food access and identity preservation. Future research should explore the experiences of children and other racialized newcomer groups in culturally disrupted food environments and examine the role of immigration,
settlement and employment status on the experience of food security. Supporting culturally meaningful food access is crucial for fostering inclusive food systems and communities, and to promote successful newcomer settlement and well-being.