Community Food Pantry (CFP) Recipients’ Food Challenges: Latino Households with at Least One Member Working as Farm Worker Compared to Other CFP Households

ABSTRACTThis study examines factors affecting the food choices of Latino immigrant mushroom farm workers and their families. Surveys were administered to a convenience sample of Latino (n = 70) and non-Latino (n = 41) community food pantry (CFP) clients. About 76% of clients reported food insecurity (n = 58). Latino adults were less likely to purchase vegetables at the grocery store (p ≤ 0.05) and requested more fruits and vegetables at the CFP (p ≤ 0.05). Latino adults were also less likely to choose “easy to prepare” foods (p ≤ 0.01) at the CFP and requested information on how to prepare healthy meals (p ≤ 0.001). In sum, Latino adults at a CFP are making healthy food choices where available but choices are limited by access to food in the grocery store and the CFP.