Food system access, shopping behavior, and influences on purchasing groceries in adult Hmong living in Minnesota.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate influences on shopping and eating behavior of Hmong adults living in St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota.


METHODS
Conducted a mapping project, food surveys, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and focus groups (n = 11).


METHODS
Subjects were assigned to three groups. The B-TL(1) group was made up of subjects who were born in Thailand/Laos and had lived in the US < or =5 years (n = 19). The B-TL(2) group was made up of subjects who were born in Thailand/Laos, had food memories, and had lived in the US >5 years (n = 20). The B-US group was made up of subjects who were born and/or raised in the US (n = 30).


METHODS
Using Geographical Informational Systems software, 15 grocery stores were mapped and surveyed. Food prices were compared with the consumer price index (CPI). The FFQ assessed food consumption patterns. Focus group transcripts were evaluated for themes and coded. Degree of acculturation was assessed by adapting a previously developed instrument.


RESULTS
The population is concentrated in St. Paul, coinciding with store density. Limited foods had CPIs and some CPIs were outdated. B-US had significantly higher levels of dietary acculturation than B-TL(2) and B-TL(1), with B-TL(2) also having a higher dietary acculturation level compared with B-TL(1). Acculturation of the Hmong into the American food system, determinants of store type, and Hmong food's having a mainstream factor were identified themes.


CONCLUSIONS
B-US and B-TL(2) shopped at American stores more than did B-TL(1) because of convenience, one-stop shopping, and increased English fluency. Hmong foods have entered the American food system and are sold at Asian and American stores.
Franzen
Lisa
L
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 225 FScN, 1334 Eckles Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108-6099, USA.
Smith
Chery
C
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000208:ethnology*; D005523:Food Supply; D006801:Humans; D007812:Laos / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D040541:Marketing; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D013785:Thailand / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult