Development of effective tools in teaching consumer skills for Hmong in California

The Hmong is a minority group with one of the highest rates of poverty. Hmong have an oral tradition; hence, many do not read or write Hmong or English. The Hmong are in need of culturally appropriate education and tools to deliver effective messages regarding food shopping. The aims of this research project were to 1) identify issues in acquiring nutritious, reasonably-priced foods acceptable to the Hmong and 2) to develop and evaluate a related educational tool to address these issues. Knowledge encompassing meal planning, purchasing healthy foods and saving money was assessed for Hmong (n=34) in Sacramento County. Data served as baseline information for the content of the intervention tool. A brief video, “Plan, Shop, Save!” was produced, evaluated, and integrated into a series of nutrition education lessons (USDA Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) in Butte County. Pre- and post- food behavior checklists were used for the evaluation of behavior change. Questions included the topics of planning, comparing prices, and making healthy food choices. Results indicated finance as a critical and influential factor in purchasing groceries. Overpurchasing, overspending, and difficulty locating specific food items in the grocery store were common problems. Market ads, sales, and unit pricing were not familiar or useful to most of the participants. There is considerable need for educational intervention to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. Upon culturally appropriate delivery of how to plan, shop, and save, 92% of the participants (n=49) demonstrated positive changes in food shopping and food planning.