African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 1

The Economical, Cultural, and Geographical Aspect of African American Society and Their

Influence on Nutrition

Zoe Winford

Global Connections

Mr. Gregory Falls

December 2017
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 2

Abstract

Cuisine provides ways to express one’s self and their history. The goal present is to convey the

culture through cuisine and preserve the traditions and values of African Americans, as well as

those of Afro-Caribbean descent. While the recipes from these minority groups are fulfilling, the

nutritional value is slowly diminishing; making it much more difficult to promote a healthy

lifestyle and live up to society's standards of nutrition. Within the black community there are

three aspects that influence their nutrition. The first is cultural influence which allows different

communities to come together and embrace each other through common similarities between

them. Another influence is the geographical location in which they reside. For centuries people

have been able to adapt to their surroundings. With so many African Americans migrating across

the world in large populations several times in history, they have been able to modify the cuisine

specific to the region. Lastly the economic status of African Americans can be a difficult subject

to discuss. People within the black community suffer from unemployment, lack of education, and

lack some basic life skills that ultimately break them down into an economical deficit.
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 3

Table of contents

Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………....2

Table of contents…………………………………………………………………………………..3

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Limitations of study……………………………………………………………………………….5

Literature review…………………………………………………………………………………..6

➢ Economical………………………………………………………………………………..6

➢ Geographic……….……………………………………………………………………….7

➢ cultural…………………………………………………………………………………….8

Discussion………………………………………………………………………………………..11

➢ conclusion………………………………………………………………………………..17

References………………………………………………………………………………………..18

Appendix A………………………………………………………………………………………22

Appendix B……………………………………………………………………………………....23

Appendix C……………………………………………………………………………………....25

Appendix D……………………………………………………………………………………....28
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 4

Introduction

For centuries African Americans have been known to express themselves through song,

dance, spoken word, and cuisine. Food is the bandage of the soul. The African American

community brings a new outlook on food, due to the fact that there are so many factors that

influence the Black community’s cuisine. The most important factors are their economical

position, geographical location, and cultural influence. Through the cuisines of African

American society, culture can be expressed while maintaining modern nutritional value.

The economy guides this community’s productivity in life. There is an abundance of wealth

in this country and for some, they do not have to worry about what is on the dinner table.

Furthermore, minorities that lack the means to provide well balanced meals due to financial

hardship suffer tremendously. 43.8% of the African American population receive benefits such

as the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, welfare checks, and the supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP). Location also has a huge impact on nutrition. A family from Ghana

would eat vastly differently from another in Jamaica. Geographical regions gives one access to

different opportunities to explore the nutritional benefits that place has to offer.

The most important of the three would be cultural influence. Similar to geographical regions,

culture determines how one lives and conducts themselves. With culture comes traditions in

recipes that has been passed down from generation to generation. Stories are told, and lives are

changed over the dinner table all being expressed by food filled with love and history. The key

issue here is clear. How can one preserve these sacred traditions passed down from generations

while upholding the modern nutritional values of the 21st century?

Limitations of Study
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 5

There are many paths to take when discussing multiple contributors to a specific culture’s

nutrition, however, due to sources and experiences there are limitations present. The African

American population can be found in mostly all points of the world, yet, due to the vastness of

regions the author will focus on specific geographical locations heavily populated by African

Americans, certain places will not be included in the author's research. The author’s main points

of study are of areas in North America as well as Caribbean Islands. The inability to travel to

these places has presented an experience limitation.

The author will gain most information through personal study as it relates to certain topics

presented throughout the research such as, connections made when studying African American

cuisine throughout the Caribbean due to family heritage. While the author will include personal

data and references, due to the duration of time for research and gathering information, other

sources include scholarly text and data from justifiable and reliable sources.

The author’s target audience selection will be those of Caribbean descent, people of African

American culture, family and friends. The facts presented in this paper are entitled to those who

seek additional knowledge of 21st century nutritional standards within the African American

minority population as well as the Afro-Caribbean community. The author’s purpose is to give

insight of how you can maintain a healthy lifestyle, while preserving the history and culture of

the cuisine.
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 6

Literature Review

What keeps a recipe flowing through generations of family is the history behind them. The

wonderful stories shared while preparing them stay with us as one moves forward in life. While

these meals bring comfort and a sense of home wherever you choose to make them, it is

important to keep the nutritional value on a positive scale to ensure the longevity of one's

physical being. The sources presented in this paper represent the geographical, cultural, and

economical aspect of how african americans maintain nutritional value while preserving the

history and culture within the cusine.

Economical

U.S. national library of medicine

Minority families often live in neighborhoods with few supermarkets. This is making it

difficult for them to obtain fresh and healthy food options. This article emphasizes the

importance of gaining access to healthy food for all ages. This article provides research from

various ethnic groups in which african american women show that poor cooking skills result in a

restricted variety of fruits and vegetables being used in their diets and those of their children.

(minority health)

New York law school: Racial Justice Project.com

The concept of food deserts originated in the United Kingdom to describe newly built housing

without access to fresh quality food sources. There are approximately 23.5 million people in the

United States that reside in low income neighborhoods located more than 1 mile away from a

supermarket. African Americans are half as likely to have access to supermarkets near them, and

for reference Hispanics are a third less likely. In area-based studies researchers have found a link

between low income communities and their placement. Detroit, for example, has over 83% of
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 7

African Americans, all with no major food chain supermarkets. These demographics are not by

chance. The government has had major influence on this topic dating all the way back to

Roosevelt, claiming that “Black Folk” communities will be dominated by whites. Racial issues

still present today play a significant role in how the black community evolves as a whole.

African American Science

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP) is a program provided by the

government to receive food services for those who cannot provide the necessities for basic

nutrition in the household. Despite the stereotypes, black people are not the only ones receiving

theses benefits. In 2013 nearly 47 million americans received SNAP. one in five children

received benefits, 40.2% of recipients are white, and 25.7% are black.(2015 U.S. Census Bureau)

People are to believe that these governmental aids bring down one’s professional and personal

reputation. Contrary to this implication, many recipients are married, employed, and even college

graduates. SNAP is much more than the average black single mother.

Geographical

One way that cuisine traditions travel from place to place is by people. As the Transatlantic

slave trade took place in the fifthteenth century, slaves made their journey from the rural south to

the urban north. African American food from the south slowly began to influence the European

ways of dining. One factor making the African American community so diverse and unique is

having the ability to migrate and reposition themselves into a vastly different lifestyle. Adapting

to change has made processes such as slave trade and the civil rights movement slightly easier.
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 8

African Americans in food service: anocostia.edu

The early 1920s was the time of great cultural vibrancy. In New York for example, new

immigrants brought forth a diverse population heavily influenced by African American tradition.

The black population became very diverse in New York with residents of Southern Black,

Caribbean, and native New Yorker. Harlem clubs served dishes relative to that time period as

well as dishes influenced from migration of other African Americans.

National Geographic

Just as any other population, African Americans can be found to reside in any part of the

world. This brings their influences to that area. For example a simple shrimp and grits is home to

the “Creole Coast” referring to Louisiana’s creole nation being heavily influenced with French

and Spanish history due to colonization. Buttermilk and fried chicken belongs to the

“Agricultural South” known to places such as Georgia and Alabama. These southern states could

be recognized as some of the most soulful states enriched in southern culture and food. Heavy

plates eaten in all seasons of the year keep the tradition of hearty meals that satisfy the most

important thing, your soul. Other examples are Oyster pan roasts native to the North and “son of

a gun stew” located in the western region.

Cultural

Culture can be expressed through various forms. Being one of the most important aspects of

one’s heritage, culture seen through the pages of a cookbook or frying pan is mind boggling. The

main populations the author focused on is black minorities residing in the United States as well

as those of Afro-Caribbean descent.

 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 9

The Spruce.com

What differentiates the minority groups of the African Americans and Afro-Caribbean cuisine

wise is Creole and Cajun styles of cooking. Creole refers to the vast majority of European, but

specifically French and Spanish settlers of New Orleans. These migrants were wealthier than the

average family which brought the pleasure of having a personal chef bring their recipes with

them. Tips and secrets from the Caribbeans and Africans gave them leadway when creating these

recipes. Peppers were one of the major influences brought upon the Europeans.

The southwest area of Louisiana is unique by itself. Acadiana is an area comprising of

twenty-two parishes of southwest Louisiana. This area is predominantly populated by Cajun

people who are known to be descendents of Acadia; known as Nova Scotia in 1755. The Cajuns

had to adjust to the southern terrain of swamps, bayous, and prairies that brought about new

forms of fish, grains, meat, and produce. One of the main differences is the fact that Cajun

cuisine uses by far much more wild vegetables and game animals. It is also characterized by

“one pot meals” being darker and consisting of thicker broths and gravies.

History of Jamaican food: history.com

Jamaica is an island full of history, heritage, and of course food. It also has so much influence

from other places around the world. There is little wonder why their food is so mesmerizing with

influences of West Indian, Spanish, British, French, and much more. The history of Jamaican

food started in 1509 with Spanish arrival driving out most of the original inhabitants. With the

Spanish came many slaves, which brought new spices and dishes to the island. In 1655 the

Spanish lost Jamaica to the English which brought about more recipes to add to the book. The

Indian influence brought about the “spicy” factor to the island's most famous dishes. Curry and

Jerk Chicken or fish is one of the spicy staple foods that were influenced by other regions of the
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 10

world. Starches such as rice and beans is served with fairly every meal as well as plantains.

Plantains are found in most Caribbean places and can be fried, baked, candied, and dried. To go

along with Jamaican dishes they are mostly fried. Some consider the beautiful island to be the

melting pot of the Caribbean due to the global influences.

First we feast.com: history of soul food

This article gives visual insight of the origins of Soul Food. There is one word that can

describe this category of food; heavy. Soul food consists of rich gravies, stews, baked goods,

fried meats, and dairy filled side items. The most typical “soul plate” has fried chicken, collard

greens, baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams for sweetness, as well as a buttermilk filled

piece of cornbread. All washed down with a fresh glass of sweet tea. The nutritional values are

low in that plate, yet it holds so much traditional value and history. From 1619 to 1865 soul food

was devoted to slaves. Small meals that were heavy enough to last until the next break from the

long days in the plantation fields could be cornbread, potatoes, or dried meat. The lowest level of

slaves were given the scraps of the meals made for their master and guests. This is where the

concept of putting everything into a big pot and leaving for the day came about. Influences of the

one pot meals can also be found in Cajun provinces as mentioned previously.

These aspects of African American cuisine can all express the importance of one embracing

their culture through by far one of the most easiest ways. Food is the healer of many things. It

brings family together, relives a part of history, and honors the legacies of that specific

community. As minorities are viewed as having less to appreciate, food is one of those things

that is available for anyone to use as an expression of culture.

Discussion
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 11

In today’s society how can one express culture? The African American community in

addition to the Afro-Caribbeans demonstrate that in one way that everyone can connect to; food.

For centuries food has been the peacemaker of tension, a token of appreciation, and the one

thing a young child looks forward to while on a visit at grandma’s house. Due to the heaviness of

the food both cultural, and literal, individuals are often blind to the nutritional values they lack.

While it is the goal to preserve the history and culture through African cuisine, one must not

lose sight of the nutritional expectations of promoting healthy 21st century lifestyle.

The author concentrated on cuisines native to African Americans as well as those of Afro-

Caribbean descent. The black community is known for their dinner plates that can keep a person

full for a week. That is the goal to have their company feeling happy inside and out. The secret

behind this feeling is solely due to the meals containing heavy sauces, seasonings, ingredients,

and portions. As it may seem like a wonderful way to stay warm and full during winter months,

over time these eating habits have led to some of the most harmful health problems found in the

black community. For example, diabetes and hypertension are prominent in ages forty five to

sixty four. African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and suffer much

more with symptoms of it.(American Heart Association). Over the past ten years in Jamaica, pre

hypertension and diabetes have been claimed as “silent killers” with five percent of people aged

sixty five and older showed signs of diabetes while already suffering from high blood pressure.

These figures could contradict the images of fresh fruits and produce found throughout the

islands. Fresh cuisine is available to everyone, however, it is how one prepares the food and

actually using its key components for nutritional gain.

Soul food, for example is known for its mesmerizing flavors and textures. These foods hold

very little nutritional value due to the high fat contents, calories, etc. A traditional soul food meal
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 12

consists of some form of meat, usually fried chicken, followed by, collard greens, baked

macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and cornbread on the side. While this plate may sound

appetizing, there is almost no nutritional value present. One piece of fried chicken is over four

hundred calories, yams adding another one hundred calories per serving, along with the

macaroni, collard greens, and cornbread, this meal equals to 1, 102 calories. This is the intake of

just one meal that Americans across the country eat on a daily basis. Afro-Caribbean creole

cuisine has been influenced by Spanish, British, and French settlers that bring healthy dishes,

however, with most staple foods of the Caribbean the meals include fried bananas and various

rices and potatoes.

Location is one of the most important factors when it comes to nutrition. African Americans

that reside in Kentucky would eat differently than those in Jamaica. This is all due to location

which serves as a place for one to express their culture. Food deserts can be described as

geographical regions that would not typically have access to fresh and healthy alternatives. Food

deserts are notable in minority communities that do not receive the care and help that they

deserve.

Due to the lack of grocery stores and government funding, black people are left with small

convenience store like those of Dollar General and “corner” neighborhood stores to conduct their

shopping. For decades the black community has taken two steps forward only to be pushed ten

steps back. They have been pushed in mostly every way possible. Socially, society has not fully

accepted them or their culture. Food, music, history, and styles have been mocked and altered to

other cultures. African Americans often miss out on the recognition they deserve.
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 13

The community is at a constant race to be at the top and put under a positive light.

Furthermore, they have had to fight economically to get to where they are today. Many still are

left behind and stuck in the “projects” or “hood” while you have others who have made it a little

bit further. Yes, some have the “white collar” being those who have worked in a professional

environment. However the blue collar, which is a term more commonly used to describe

minorities had definitely been worn to get to where they are today. It takes hard work and

dedication to get to some of the levels available in the American Dream. Black people have had

to fight, work numerous jobs, and in unfair conditions just to get less than half of a step further.

The stereotypical way to become prosperous and live a healthy lifestyle is by having a sports

career, musical talents, or big screen potential to receive the funds necessary to provide for one’s

family. The economy seems in some ways unfitting for the black community. For example, inner

city public schools receive less funding year after year. Not to mention the nutritional standard

have changed since former First Lady Michelle Obama implemented MyPlate in 2013 as a

modified version of the food pyramid. Since then school lunches have changed for healthier

alternatives, however, schools that struggle to maintain funding for other responsibilities would

choose foods that are more or less cost effective and easy; fries, burgers, and pizza. The lunch

ladies nor the students take nutrition facts into consideration. A prime example of how the lack

of balanced meals set up even the young for potentially life long health problems.

On the other hand, Afro-Caribbeans are situated in a place where fruits and vegetables grow

in one's backyard. America views the Caribbean islands as a source for exotic fruits, vegetables,

and a variety of marine life to maintain their nutrition, however, the country still has health

issues such as obesity and poor eating habits. Jamaicans provide an abundance of sweets that do

not necessarily fit the nutritional standards. Although some desserts include fresh ingredients
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 14

found in the island, they are filled with a mass majority of sugars leading to diabetes. Some

staple dishes include Rum Cake, Rainbow Cake, and the famous Coco bread served with every

meal. Research has been conducted with the findings that people as young as fifteen years old

suffer from diet related health issues. Over time these issues can follow them well into their adult

lives. Illnesses and diseases are much harder to treat when in adult years, due to their immune

system and overall health.

When the Transatlantic Slave Trade took place in the fifthteenth century slaves were moved to

all parts of the world. Moving them from the rural south and Caribbean waters to the urban north

brought a change in not only society rules, but in cuisines that has shaped the black community

to what it is today. They have been able to adapt to certain areas and continue the spread of their

culture which influences many other communities around the world. Culinary Historian and

author Jessica Harris states that, “food traditions hold symbols and meaning that serve as a

historical roadmap.” Aside from soul food, black people have been an influence to other aspects

of society. Over the decades music and fashion from the black community are making their way

to the big stages and stores. In every aspect of African American society, one is sure to find

history and pride.

The financial status for an African American being a vital contributor of the middle class

could improve currently. Older people are found to still be a member of welfare or receiving

some form of financial aid from the government. For generations families have been known to

go into the system. A young women who grew up as a child receiving big brown bags of food at

the end of the school day would only wish this for her own. It is all a part of history throughout

the family. Moreover, it is the young Black community that fails to educated themselves on the

plenty of other ways to receive aid. This adds more examples to the stereotype of a “struggling”
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 15

black person. It is stated that whites are among the highest receivers of Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP). Not too many people are aware of this simply due to the fact that

being a part of this program can hinder your reputation, career, and overall character.

Our relatives to the Caribbean side have it slightly easier than those living in America. The

cost of living in Jamaica are over 20% lower than in the United States. Groceries are precisely

23.87% lower due to the amount of resources they have available on the island. Countries that

are not as developed as others tend to have more resources available because they do not have

the means to trade and conduct foreign affairs with other countries. For example, in places such

as China, the Philippines, and even places in the Caribbean have fresh produce daily, and it is at

a lower cost. Their markets are sourced outdoors and are brought from local farmers, fishermen,

and growers in the area.

What differentiates African Americans in the United States from other minority groups such

as Afro-Caribbeans, is that the food one can find in local Wal-Mart or restaurant has been

shipped thousands of miles away, costing way too much money just to get to us. There are

several problems that are present in this situation. The first being that the only way to preserve

these foods on this journey calls for preservatives. Chemicals being put into food to prolong their

shelf life diminishes their nutritional value. The use of genetically modified organisms(GMO) to

alter the DNA of fruits and vegetables which then go into our bodies is by no means healthy.

Resources are out there to take advantage of. Whether or not one wants to apply themselves is

another story. For centuries African Americans and those of Caribbean descent have been

frowned upon. They have been put inside this box that claims that they are less than other races.

This is instilled into every generation year after year. Many are taught not the wrong things, but

have not been given any instruction or guidance. Due to drastic changes in health education,
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 16

younger children and adults now have vital information about health care and nutrition that still,

their parents and grandparents lack.

The mentality of older generations was to eat now, because you never know when you will

eat again. There were no studies conducted or articles warning people that food can be a direct

link to health diseases, not just genetics. All food is made into a recipe which gets passed down

to the next generation. There is little to no changes made in the quality of the meal. Often times

low income families do not follow recipes, alter them completely, or just do not have the time or

money. Parents are the driving force in the household which means that they decide what meal

will be eaten. Many of today’s health problems can be solved by a simple change in diet. Not

too many black people know that because individuals have to focus on more important things

such as working to provide money for the family. Once people use their hard fought earnings,

there will be no time to travel to a farmers market, or the fresh produce section of a supermarket.

It only takes one person to stand up for a good cause. American society tends to have so many

unhealthy advertisements, yet even the smallest change such as one healthy ad for every three

fast food chains can make an impact. Some have the impression that fast food is there for one

reason only. It is meant to be convenient and on-the-go. It takes both hands to hold and eat a

salad, but only one hand and your lap to eat french fries. The difference here is that most would

typically eat their fries in the car, sitting down which raises the chance of overeating. Salad is a

healthy alternative that does not have to consist just of lettuce and ranch. There are many ways to

make what you eat enjoyable. Culinary cooking classes are available, however the economy

always has a factor of the classes costing too much. Having these classes targeted into the

minority communities will make it easier for everyone to gain access to healthy nutrition.
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 17

Conclusion

Geographically, black people have had the ability to adjust to any surrounding and setting.

They have been forced to uproot their entire lives. Culturally, it is astounding at how well the

black communities all around the world embrace each other and the food that they eat. Food is

the bandage of the soul. It can be used to tell stories, obtain peace at a time of war, and serve as a

welcome gift. Whether it is soul food, creole, or cajun cooking, one must try to instill twenty first

century nutritional values into our diet. African Americans are at a much higher risk for

hypertension, diabetes, and much more which can all be controlled by what goes on our plates.

There are times when the need to find the nutritional value is not so helpful. For example it is

prominent in black communities, specifically at churches to have fish fry dinners. At this certain

event it would not be appropriate to have baked fish. It does not fit the atmosphere. However,

eating foods that are high in fat, sodium, and carbohydrates should not be in an everyday diet.

There comes a time where one might need to modify the fifty year old baked macaroni and

cheese recipe to ensure that there will be future generations to enjoy it. Taking the history and

culture out of the meals is not the goal. Making small changes to the cuisine while preserving

that history is one intent. Expanding the quality of life for a loved one is the true purpose.

References

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community (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Vaclavik, V., & Haynes, A. (2013). The art of nutritional cuisine. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 18

Chan, T. (n.d.). The nutrition source: school of health. Retrieved October 19, 2017, from
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colonial-america

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First Lady Michelle Obama Announces New Effort to Make Healthier, MyPlate Recipes Easy

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https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/02/26/first-lady-michelle-

obama-announces-new-effort-make-healthier-myplate-re
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 19

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deserts/

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your-way

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 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 20

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 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 21

Appendix A
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 22

Appendix B

Interview conducted with the dean of Culinary Education at Johnson and Wales University

1. What made you choose the career path that you’re on today?

Answer: I am the dean of culinary education at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC. I
have been with the university for 23 years, and always wanted to be a chef since I was a child. I
did not realize that I had a passion for education until I was in school and had to help all my
roommates get through some of their classes. It turns out that I had/have a knack for teaching
and so I become an instructor at JWU after being an executive chef at a country club in
Williamsburg, VA. (Two Rivers Country Club at The Governor’s Land)

2. Can living in an area heavily populated by a minority group (such as African Americans)
Influence the quality, and access of good nutrition?

Answer: We see this to be true, but not necessarily due to race, but rather economic status,
which one could argue does go hand in hand with some aspects of race. Areas of high poverty,
and often a high minority population, due have a disadvantage to accessing high quality foods.
They tend to be expensive, and in some cases harder and take longer to prepare than
convenience foods. Grocery stores work on tight profit margins and want to stock what is going
to move the most, and that is often less healthful foods and or convenience or highly processed
(thus less healthy) items.

3. Are minorities more at risk for health related problems?

Answer: Again, we certainly can make the correlation to health problems and a poor diet. We
at JWU are starting to look at food as medicine. “Food deserts” or areas in urban environments
that do not have access fresh foods (fruits and vegetables) are a fact and is a major problem
facing large cities and this is an area of concern for many governmental and social service
agencies. To answer your question, I believe that economic status, level of education, cultural
influences all have an impact on what a person may choose to eat and may lead to more health
problems for some minorities.

4. What geographical factors may limit ourselves to a well-balanced diet?

Answer: I am not sure if pure geography is a limiting factor although it certainly can be.
However, as mentioned above I feel it is more a matter economic access and cultural norms to
one’s society and how a person has been raised in that society. For example, if a person in an
urban area has to take public transportation and that transportation takes longer than jumping
in the car, it sure can become a barrier to healthier food. Is that a geographical problem? I
don’t think that is a geographical issue as much as it is a social issue and helping take care of
people who need assistance to get high quality food or getting the high quality food to where
the people are that need it at a price they can afford.

5. Is expressing one’s culture through food promoting a healthy lifestyle?

Answer: This is a matter of how one expresses that culture and not if one should express a
healthy lifestyle. I think that any culture has the potential to provide and promote healthful
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 23

cooking styles. As an example, Chinese food uses a great deal of vegetables and is generally a
low fat, high fiber, and healthy cuisine. If we, as Americans, only experience dishes like sweet
and sour pork or General Tso’s Chicken, egg rolls and fried rice then we are not being exposed to
a healthy Chinese cultural lifestyle and clearly do not get an understanding about what Chinese
food is really about. I think that you can apply that thinking to almost any culture, like Indian,
Italian, Mexican, or Polish. It is about balance and “mixing it up.”

5b. What are the benefits of being a part of a society that embraces culture?

Answer: I think that sharing in the culture of others not only promotes variety to keep meals
interesting, but also allows for the education about a group of people. It helps people
understand why they eat the way they do, when they eat, how they eat, and what influences all
of that, such as religion, politics, traditions, and in some cases, geography. The more that we
know about people and understand what makes up their culture the better we can get along
and help everyone live healthful lives together as one group versus, an “us or them” stance. I
am a person who loves international flavors and prefers to eat at a restaurant where I can get
something interesting and maybe even learn about that culture and include some of those
cultural foodways into my own. So, I would agree that embracing culture can lead to a healthier
and happier (for me anyway) lifestyle.

6. Does the income gap in the United States play a role in American diet?

Answer: I would be happy to expand on the answer, but I think that you can extrapolate it from
above.

Lower income means more economically challenged neighborhoods

Some have good grocery stores, and some do not.
More disposable income equals more choice and stores are willing to stock a wider variety of
items because they will sell.
Highly processed foods are cheaper and less healthy and often faster or easier to prepare
Culture plays a part
Education plays a huge part
Mass transit plays a part
Gentrification of neighborhoods plays a part

I don’t think that there is one answer, other than to say “yes” to the question you asked. Maybe
you should be asking how the income gap plays a role in the American diet.

I hope this helps and if I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to ask and I hope
that you will come visit our JWU campus in Charlotte. Charlotte is a great town and I used to
live in Va Beach and Norfolk. I miss the water, but not the traffic.

Appendix C
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 24

Survey conducted by zoe winford

Are Minorities more at risk for health problems?

yes 100.00%
20

no 0.00%
0

Can culture be expressed through food?

yes 100.00%
20

no 0.00%
0

How much of your family's recipes are passed

down through generation?

all of them 10.00%

2

almost half of the recipes 45.00%

9

not many 35.00%

7

little to none are from past 10.00%

generations
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 25

Would you change a long lived family recipe to fit

the nutritional standards of today?

yes 55.00%
11

no 45.00%
9

How nutritious is your diet?

I eat a well balanced diet with 35.00%

fresh items incorporated into 7
the meal

fast food is the way to go 0.00%

0

my plate has mostly starches 45.00%

than vegetables 9

my plate has mostly proteins 20.00%

and meats 4

Which cultural group has the most diet related

health problems?

African Americans 84.21%

16

Hispanics 10.53%
2

Chinese 5.26%
1
 African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 26

Are you willing to alter your eating habits to fit

into society's standards of being healthy and
nutritious?

yes 65.00%
13

no 35.00%
7

Appendix D
African American Society and Their Influence on Nutrition 27