| Issue/Objective |
Food precarity has risen sharply in Quebec in recent years, with recent immigrants experiencing disproportionately high rates of moderate and severe food insecurity. While economic vulnerability plays a central role, less attention has been paid to how intersecting social, structural, and cultural factors shape food insecurity among newcomers, particularly within Quebec's unique linguistic, policy, and settlement context.
This review examines the intersecting social and structural determinants of food insecurity among recent immigrants (≤10 years since arrival) in Quebec and explores how Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) can guide the development of equitable, culturally relevant public health and food security policies. |
| Methodology/Approach |
A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, government reports, and grey literature from Canadian and Quebec sources, including population health surveys and policy documents. Evidence published within the past 10 years was synthesized through a GBA+ lens, with attention to intersections of gender, income, immigration status, language, housing, discrimination, and access to culturally appropriate foods. |
| Results |
Recent immigrants in Quebec experience significantly higher rates of food insecurity than Canadian born residents, particularly during the first decade after arrival. Economic precarity, housing insecurity, language barriers, gendered caregiving responsibilities, racism and discrimination, social isolation, and limited access to culturally appropriate foods interact to increase vulnerability. Immigrant women, especially those with caregiving responsibilities and limited access to childcare, are disproportionately affected. Current reliance on food charity addresses immediate needs but fails to mitigate structural drivers of food insecurity. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
Food insecurity among recent immigrants in Quebec is a structural and intersectional public health issue. Applying GBA+ highlights the need for coordinated equity oriented policies that extend beyond emergency food assistance. Long term solutions include income based interventions, accessible francisation, affordable childcare, culturally inclusive nutrition guidance, and recognition of food as a human right. Embedding GBA+ into food policy design and surveillance is essential to promoting health equity and social inclusion for newcomer populations. |
| Presenters and Affiliations |
Natalia Romero McGill University |
