Food and eating practices in migration processes: A scoping review

Abstract

Food exerts a profound influence on global social, economic, and cultural dynamics, particularly in the context of migration. There is a growing interest in analyzing the intricate interaction between food practices and migration, given the central role this connection plays in individual, family, and community experiences. Understanding this relationship is crucial to grasp the social, health, and identity-related consequences of transformed food practices (e.g., the migrant paradox), and to effectively address the challenges and opportunities arising in multicultural contexts. This scoping review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews methodology, offers a comprehensive overview of the social science literature on food practices and migration. Studies were eligible if they addressed the relationship between food practices and migration, focusing on human mobility and food-related activities, without restrictions on methodology or type of migration. Out of 698 records screened, 76 studies were analyzed using the socio-ecological model. The review highlights how food practices intersect with individual, familial, and community dynamics, shaping identity, adaptation strategies, and participation processes among migrants. Key themes include socio-demographic and psychological factors, intergenerational transmission and gender roles within families, and the role of food-related spaces and initiatives in fostering belonging and collective well-being. The analysis revealed a dearth of studies focusing on migrant families and food practices within the family context. Longitudinal and comparative designs are needed to trace how food practices evolve across time, generations, and contexts, and to build solid theoretical frameworks that can inform inclusive and context-sensitive policy interventions.