Food insecurity: The perception and interpretation of adequacy and cultural food provisions among Ukrainian refugees in Norway

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that refugees are vulnerable to food insecurity than the general population. A proportion of the world’s refugees are resettled in high income countries with abundant food supplies.

Aim: This study aimed at understanding the perception and interpretation of the adequacy and cultural appropriateness of the foods, and food insecurity experiences among Ukrainian refugees in Norway.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen Ukrainian refugees selected using purposeful and snowball sampling methods. A qualitative approach was used to understand the food insecurity experiences and the strategies employed in coping with the challenges. The data was coded using Reflective thematic analysis and was developed into different meaningful themes and sub-themes.

Results: The study showed that Ukrainian refugees neither experienced hunger nor skipped meals; both of which are widely used indicators of food insecurity, it however showed the high cost of food in Norway. However, participants who arrived less than three months after the outbreak of war reported low dietary diversity and lack of cultural appropriateness of the foods provided.

Conclusion: The study also showed that, the presence of social network and the Norwegian welfare systems positively influenced Ukrainian refugees’ experiences with food insecurity. Initiative to refugees’ food responses should be culturally sensitive, and the approach employed to Ukrainian refugees’ food provision could serve as a benchmark for other refugee groups in Norway. Keywords: food insecurity, refugees, Ukrainian refugees, Norway, Qualitative study