Hmong food helps us remember who we are: perspectives of food culture and health among Hmong women with young children.

OBJECTIVE

To examine perspectives on food habits, acculturation, and health among Hmong women with young children in northern California.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 Hmong mothers with young children in a low-income community of northern California. The interviews were transcribed and coded based on the principles of grounded theory.

RESULTS

The main themes that emerged from the interviews included comparisons between American and Hmong food cultures, food culture preservation, obesity issues, diverse acculturation processes, and intergenerational food habits. Hmong food culture has been identified as the representation of their healthful lifestyle, self-identity, and social support. At the same time, mothers are facing enormous challenges in bridging 2 extreme generations; the less acculturated, immigrant adults and the highly acculturated, US-born children in their households.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Addressing the healthful aspects of Hmong food culture and healthful options of American food should be a focus of nutrition-related programs.