Portland, Maine-When people immigrate to the United States, they face many challenges, including food and housing insecurity.

Once immigrants settle in their new home, they are likely to crave a dish that reminds them of their hometown.

During the pandemic, Wayside Food Programs realized that many of the things they provided to people in their takeaway boxes were not being used.

"Along the way, I think we probably have known this. There are a lot of things in that box that people won't eat," said Mary Zwolinski, executive director of Wayside. "Because of cultural preference and religious preference."

Zwolinski said that was when she and her team decided to do some research.

"Just to find out what traditional food means to them and what kind of food they will eat," she added.

Wayside Food Programs is launching a new program to better serve the immigrant community #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/FK8usc7jW6

Earlier this year, Wayside held a focus group with more than 30 people representing various immigrant communities in Maine.

These groups include Somali, Arab, African, Angola, Serbian/Croatian/Russian/Albania, Asian and Hispanic communities.

The staff learned that almost all immigrant groups are reluctant to eat canned food because they are not sure what is in it.

On the contrary, many people want something that can be used to make traditional meals.

Zvolinsky said: "We have done a lot of research and decided that what really makes sense in creating food boxes is to place items that everyone uses as the basis for meals."

She added that the goal is not to remove all American food from their diet, but to give them a taste of home.

She said: "I think the idea of ​​having the family get together for a traditional dinner is very important."

Wayside is also trying to advertise to people who may participate in food events, so it is hoped that they can collect things like rice, dried beans or cooking oil instead of collecting canned food. All the cultures they survey indicated that they are willing to collect these things. In their box.

The plan is expected to start next month.

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