Food security, insecurity, and health among migrants and refugees in Australia

Access to food is recognized as a fundamental human right, as stated in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international documents. Food security is the ability of individuals, households, or communities to access food that is nutritious, sustainable, affordable, and culturally appropriate. While food security is essential for everyone, some populations face greater challenges in achieving it. Food insecurity continues to be a global public health issue. While traditionally associated with developing countries, food insecurity has emerged as a significant challenge in high-income countries such as Australia, where it disproportionately affects culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and disadvantaged communities. In high-income countries, disadvantaged groups often include Indigenous and minority populations, and in Australia, this particularly impacts Indigenous communities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities in urban, regional, rural, and especially remote areas. This chapter will focus on food security among migrants and refugees with the focus on those living in Australia. It begins by presenting key concepts and definitions of food security, followed by a discussion on the conceptual frameworks related to the topic. Food security as a public health concern will be explored, alongside an analysis of the global and Australian contexts. The chapter will then concentrate on food security and insecurity specific to migrants and refugees, with a focus on diet acculturation, food purchasing habits, food labeling, and halal food considerations. Finally, the chapter will offer insights from the authors’ research on food security among Libyan migrants and refugees residing in Australia.