Perceptions of African American Women about Cultural Responsiveness of Extension Food and Nutrition Programming

Low-income families, particularly in minority communities, suffer from economic disparities that act as barriers to healthy eating. The goal of food and nutrition programming is to change behaviors. In order for this to be effective the content needs to be culturally relevant. This study analyzed if extension educators were practicing culturally relevant training and described African American women’s food traditions and barriers of keeping these traditions. Results determined that food and nutrition programming is somewhat culturally relevant but needs modifications to the curriculum based on participant responses and to implement food traditions from African Americans. The importance of nutrition in African American communities is represented, but the awareness of acknowledging food culture needs to be incorporated as well.