Latino immigrants and culinary traditions: The impact of food practices on cultural identity

This paper examines the relationships between food traditions and a sense of identity among Latino immigrants. Latino immigrants sustain their identity in a new country in part by maintaining food traditions. A strong sense of identity is closely related to feelings of empowerment. This thesis argues that food traditions act as a mechanism of empowerment for immigrants. A review of major research with respect to food practices and their connection to identity is presented, followed by descriptions of scenarios featuring institutions and/or activities from various Latino immigrant communities. The subsequent analysis of the scenarios provides support for the thesis stated above.