Question

When talking about healthy dietary choices, there are recommendations from the government on what, how much, and when you should eat. However, issues of food access, household food insecurity, and acculturation could affect choices people are able to make. Discuss the statement, “Meet People Where They Are,” in regards to making menu and dietary recommendations for individuals or culture groups

Answer 1

' Meeting people where they are ' in regards to menu making and dietary choices:

In regards to healthy dietary choices, many recommendations Government have made on what, how much, when an individual should eat. But Each individual's dietary choices and menu planning can be influenced by many factors such as food access, household food insecurity, acculturation etc.

' Meet people where they are' is a statement widely used in many areas such as social work, health care and in different Government policies. Dietary Guidelines (2015- 2020 ) emphasis the importance of the statement as this statement has a great application in regards to nutritional policies of the Government such as policies related to dietary choices, food guidelines and menu planning. As discussed above Individual or family's dietary choices can be limited or restricted due to food insecurity in the house , food access and acculturation.

* Food insecurity : Studies show that around 50 million in the US, live in house, where there is food insecurity. It affects the individual's healthy dietary choices, resulting in stress and malnourishment. The current dietary guidelines and Government policies also focus on such individuals and families. Creating networks with different associations and organisations Government can deliver food and related things to such families.

* Food access

There are many factors that affect an individual's access to food such as income, socio economic status, distance from the food outlets, transportation etc. Government made innovative approaches to improve food access in schools, food retailshops, work sites etc. Nutritional standards update and educating customers regarding healthy choices of food in settings where people gather for eating such as cafeteria, vending machine and at restaurants and meetings etc. Increasing the food availability in markets, community gardens, food banks and corner stores is another innovative strategy of Government to increase the access of healthy food access.

* Acculturation : A process by which the culture of an isolated society changes on  contact with a different one. Healthy dietary choices and guidelines can be designed in a flexible way,so that traditional and cultural food items can also accomodate in the diet.The dietary Guidelines are should be in terms with the belief system, traditions, and lifestyle practice of different culture group. Then all groups of individuals can make healthy dietary choices and be healthy.