Eating on the move: Experiences of food insecurity and hunger during overland transit through Mexico

Abstract

Objective

To explore migrants’ experiences of food insecurity during their overland transit through Mexico, using qualitative methods.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study (May–July 2016) of 26 Central American migrants in a migrant shelter in San Luis Potosí, México. The semi structured interview explored four domains of food insecurity: 1) availability; 2) accessibility; 3) utilization (eating practices and consumption; and 4) stability (experiencing hunger).

Results

Participants shared common food choices and reasons for selecting these foods. These included properties such as ease of transportability, storage (e.g., packaging) and preparation needed prior to intake (e.g., whether cooking was required). Shelters provided access to humanitarian assistance including food. The informants also experienced hunger and multiple challenges impeding their physical access to food. These were further aggravated by the disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions of areas through which they transited.

Conclusion

Migrants transiting overland through Mexico experienced challenges that limit availability, access, consumption, and stability of food, showcasing the critical nature of providing food security to ensure their human rights.