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La Comida Es Vida: Balancing Nutritional Needs and Cultural Identity



One of the things that makes Backpack Brigade’s weekend hunger bags special is their recognition of the diversity within our community.  With the aid of our nutritionist and Board member, Marcy MacAdam, we have developed 8 menus specific to the unique dietary, cultural, and religious requirements of the kids we serve.



Today, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting our Hispanic-Latin menu.


In the vibrant yellow bag that celebrates Latin America’s sunny climate, we pack an array of delicious food items that feed a hungry child from Friday afternoon through Monday morning.  Today, Marcy tells us what informed her recommendations and offers us a healthy recipe from these ingredients.



Why did you choose these specific foods?

What we’re aiming for is to give kids an “ideal” bag, and if we can’t make it ideal, we try to build it as close as possible.  The perfect bag is built on median nutritional values for all the macronutrients and calorie counts.  Food items that are specific to the culture are factored into the bags based on the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) recommendations.


We do our best to source food that meets three requirements:  nutrition, cost, and – probably most importantly – what the kids like to eat.  Sometimes those foods aren’t always available, or at the price point at which we can purchase them, and we substitute from our other menus if we have to. 


Now, for instance, I don’t think we are in an ideal place with some of our bags, due to funding challenges and the soaring price of food.  Unless we see a dramatic increase in donations, we won’t be able to create a perfectly balanced bag



 

How do the items in the bag honor the requirements and preferences of a Hispanic-Latinx diet?

We use research to determine the dietary and cultural requirements for the kids.  The ADA and the USDA/WADA are our most trusted sources, and we also talk to people in the community, conduct on-site research in grocery stores, and are looking forward to a collaboration with cultural advisors who will review the bags and nutritional requirements and offer suggestions on affordable foods we can strive to include.


Defining a “Hispanic” diet is difficult because we’re talking about a huge geographic region and the common foods vary from country to country within that region.  We try to stay away from clichés and identify the most common pan-Latin food items.  I actually go to grocery stores in areas with a highly concentrated Hispanic population and sneak peeks into shoppers’ grocery carts, observing first-hand what food items they buy for their families. That type of research gives us so much insight into how Hispanics living in the United States have adapted their shopping and cooking to the foods that are readily available here. 


Funding for Backpack Brigade is our biggest constraint to what foods we are able to buy for the kids.  So, for now, with the money we have, we include items that are nutritious and familiar:  beans, rice, soups, and kid-friendly snacks.


What is your favorite item in the bag and why?

I’m excited about the Takis®, not because they’re the most nutritionally valuable item, but because they make the kids feel like they’re receiving a treat.  It gives them a feeling of normalcy and belonging that is more beneficial for them psychologically than nutritionally.  We strive for balance, to give kids who are living in very challenging circumstances nourishment in both body and soul.  And the kids love them!



If you were to make a meal from these ingredients, what would you make?

Each item included in the bag is there to cover one meal or snack for a child.  But if I were to make a meal, I’d make some kid-approved Chili Mac.



Chili Mac (makes 2 servings):

Ingredients:

One 3.4-oz container Dr. McDougall’s Vegan Black Bean & Lime Soup

One 2.05-oz container Kraft Mac & Cheese

One 1-oz bag Takis® Fuego Hot Chili Pepper & Lime Tortilla Chips

 

  1. Place the black bean soup mix into a microwavable bowl.  Add water to cover.  Microwave on High until rapidly boiling (about 1 minute 30 seconds).  Watch carefully to avoid boiling over.

  2. Remove from microwave, stir, cover tightly and let stand for 6 minutes.

  3. While beans are resting, prepare mac and cheese according to package directions.

  4. Divide beans and mac & cheese evenly between two bowls.  Stir together.

  5. Crush Takis tortilla chips and sprinkle evenly over both bowls.


Serve immediately.


How do you honor your cultural heritage through food?  Let us know in the comments.

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