No abstract

A survey designed to assess nutrition needs was pilot tested among Somali refugees in Lewiston, Maine using 24 face‐to‐face interviews. Inclusion criteria for the survey were: 1) Somali mother; 2) main meal preparer of the household; 3) Lewiston resident. Bilingual Somali women, hired as field workers (FW), were trained to administer the survey. During the trainings, it was found that FW had difficulty reading their native language and following research protocols due to cultural differences. The pilot survey revealed that average household size was 6, while 38% of the participants reported monthly income < $1,000. Of those (83%) participating in the Food Stamp Program, 60% reported their benefit lasting for 15 days or less. Most families experienced food insecurity (71%), and 25% reported using food pantries and soup kitchens. When testing for food insecurity using the Cornell questionnaire, many participants did not understand the concept of a “balanced meal” or “variety.” To explain the concept of “variety” and a “balanced meal,” FW provided examples to participants using a standard Somali meal. Future research with this population must take into account cultural differences; allow adequate time to train field workers on research protocols; and use culturally appropriate methods to assess food insecurity. The study is supported by the USDA‐FNS Food Stamp Program funds.