An Exploratory Approach to Understandaing Food Insecurity Among Vulnerable Pacific Youth: A Focus on a Low-income Community in East Auckland, New Zealand
BACKGROUND: Food insecurity disproportionately impacts more Pacific people in New Zealand than any other ethnic group, resulting in poor health implications and high hospitalisations. This research explored food insecurity among Pacific adolescents, as a critical window of opportunity for creating sustainable behavioural changes. AIM: In partnership with Tāmaki College, Auckland, this thesis aimed to explore the food insecurity situation in the Tāmaki community and the potential of addressing it among Pacific adolescents. Pacific frameworks of Talanoa (dialogue) and Lalanga (weaving) were utilised. The Fala (mat) provided a foundation for the three case studies in this research. RESULTS: The first case study explored food insecurity in the Tāmaki community and with Pacific via a survey. Responses from 187 community members identified that Pacific people had the highest rate of food insecurity in Tāmaki (72.9%) compared to other ethnic groups, almost double the national rate for Pacific people. Response from the survey with 64 adolescents identified 31.2% food insecurity. The second case study conducted semi-structured Talanoa interviews with 12 Pacific adolescents and 12 community members to explore their experiences with food insecurity and identify potential solutions. Participants discussed the influence of poverty, cost of living and employment. Potential avenues for addressing food insecurity among Pacific adolescents highlighted in the discussions included programmes targeting skill development in relation to nutrition, financial literacy, and exploring their own food environment. The third case study sought to explore the feasibility of a Pacific adolescent programme, codesigned based on responses from case study two. The three phases of the programme were Ngoue (garden), Ngaahi me’akai (preparing food) and ‘Ātakai (environment or surrounding). Although Covid-19 disrupted the implementation of this programme, evaluations highlighted the development of participant’s skills and general cost-effectiveness and practicality. CONCLUSION Food insecurity is a complex issue that can have poor health outcomes for those experiencing it. With Pacific people disproportionately affected by it, this research provided a critical base of knowledge that can be used to inform further research. This research provides knowledge that may support policies, further programmes, and interventions on addressing this issue with Pacific adolescents, and other vulnerable adolescents.
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