Social Capital and Improved Health Outcome in Food Insecure Immigrants

A sample of 808 Food Bank (FB) clients of Mexican and Central American origin were recruited at FB pantry sites to participate in a 12 week intervention to promote healthy eating and increased physical activity.  Ethnographic and quantifiable data examined the existence, acquisition or increased participant social capital throughout 40 weeks. Participants reported food insecurity.  For many, the food pantry provided the only stable source of food over prolonged time. Lengthy legalization while waiting for permanent residence results in a legal limbo without qualifying for benefits, full time work or access to hospital care. The study followed a community based participatory approach, fully embedded in the neighborhoods where participants and sites were located. Mixed methods of data collection informed analyses. Assessments and intervention delivery were conducted at pantries. Baseline profiles revealed over 60% suffering from chronic disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity among the salient conditions. Socio –demographic, eating and physical activity measures were obtained. Notable were the high consumption of sugared drinks and low consumption of water. After randomization, half participated in the treatment arm of the study.  At post-test, 60% of treatment participants had improved eating behaviors, weight, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol.  Social capital emerged as an important moderating factor in reducing attrition for men and this mediated improved outcomes. Ethnographic data suggest that the intervention team became a source of increased social capital for these immigrants who were not anchored within their communities; while the intervention dose contributed to their human capital.