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In the UK, ethnic minority groups tend to have higher levels of poverty than the white British population and therefore may be at high risk of food insecurity. Ghanaians, living in Ghana or as migrants are thought to have a high level of social support in their communities, but the role of this resource in relation to food security is unknown. We explored participants' perceptions of social and economic factors influencing food security among Ghanaian migrants in Greater Manchester. Participants aged ≥25 years (n = 31) of Ghanaian ancestry living in Greater Manchester were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide developed by the researchers. Participants varied in socioeconomic status (SES), gender and migration status. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using a framework approach. Participants offered similar accounts of the social and economic factors influencing food security. Accounts were based on participants' perceptions and/or personal experiences of food insecurity within the community. Participants indicated that they and their fellow Ghanaians can 'manage' even when they described quite challenging food access environments. This has negative implications on their food choices in the UK. Participants reported food insecure households may be reluctant to make use of food banks for fear of 'gossip' and 'pride'. Paradoxically, this reluctance does not extend to close network. Many participants described the church and other social groups as a trusted base in which people operate; support given through these channels is more acceptable than through the 'official context'. Government assisted food banks could partner with the social groups within this community given that these are more trusted. Keywords: food insecurity; food choice; social networks; Ghanaians; healthy eating; migrants., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...

Commercial fruit and vegetable box schemes are rapidly growing initiatives that allow customers to make local, organic food choices. This study investigated the socio-demographic profile of consumers using local commercial box schemes, and investigated the barriers and motivations of customers. Cross-sectional surveys using identical questionnaires were conducted in Montpellier, France and Nottingham, England. Box scheme users in both countries were primarily rather affluent professionals. The English reported access to local produce that has travelled less food miles (a more altruistic reason) to be the most important motive to purchasing from the box scheme, whereas the French stated quality of produce (a more hedonistic reason) to be key. Both countries ranked ecological commitment and access to organic food as the next most important influences on their participation. The findings reinforce the importance of food quality and pleasure for the French generally, although once this fundamental criterion has been fulfilled, French box scheme users appear equally motivated by contributing positively to the ecosystem. In England, the desire to eat out of season food was cited as the main barrier to making more sustainable food choices. Cost was an important obstacle to increasing consumption of food from sustainable sources in both countries. more...