‘Better Childhoods' as Immigration Narrative (Not) Told through Food

Abstract

This article explores the complex relationship between the American Dream and the lived experience of a group of Spanish-speaking immigrant families residing in one small city in the American South. The author focuses specifically on the women's narratives of migration and success as manifested in their children's increasing ill health, and demonstrates that, while they had a deep desire to give their children a ‘better childhood’ than was possible in Mexico, this better childhood was not reflected in these women's narratives about the food and eating habits of their American lives. The women spoke eloquently and clearly about their children's declining health through obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. These mothers compared in detail the healthier foods and food habits children were exposed to in Mexico with their current American food practices, with special mention of the school cafeteria offerings. Though these women held varying levels of economic wealth, they spoke uniformly of their worry about their children's current health. Interestingly, what is significant in their narratives is what the American Dream has made accessible: full-time jobs for both parents, free or reduced-cost school meals, abundant and affordable fast-food restaurants, and cheap soft drinks and microwave meals. All these new possibilities have negatively influenced their children's access to healthy food options, and illustrate an interesting paradox of migration and economic success, in which seeking a better life for one's children could lead to a decline in their health.