Many immigrants in Canada bring their children with them in hopes of building a better future. However, many of these children face challenges in accessing proper nutrition, which is essential for healthy growth and development. Some struggle due to financial constraints that prevent their families from affording the food they need—a situation known as food insecurity. Others have difficulty adjusting to the food options and eating habits common in Canada, often preferring traditional diets from their countries of origin.
For many children, adapting to a new food environment is not easy—especially when the move to a new country brings emotional insecurity. In these cases, familiar foods from their home culture can offer comfort and a sense of stability. Unfortunately, these foods may not always be readily available in Canada, requiring children to gradually shift their eating habits. This can be a slow and difficult process, particularly for picky eaters, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health concerns.
So why are many children from immigrant families picky eaters? According to Dondi, Piccinno, et al. (2020), “Migration from low- to high-resource settings could also lead to food insecurity without hunger but with malnutrition,” as children become accustomed to fast-paced lifestyles and begin to prefer highly processed foods such as fast food. Many immigrant parents face challenges in feeding their children, who often request unhealthy and expensive options like hamburgers and pizza.
Samuel, Musa, et al. (2018) observe that “A main characteristic of children perceived as picky eaters is their tendency to avoid certain foods or food groups.” This behavior can be caused by a range of factors, including food allergies or low appetite. Picky eaters often consume fewer vegetables and a less diverse diet compared to their peers. While this issue is not exclusive to immigrant families, it is a widespread concern. As Samuel, Musa, et al. also explain, a balanced diet is critical for children's growth. Without proper nutrition, children may experience stunted growth, obesity, mental health challenges such as depression and low self-esteem, and even physical fatigue.
Harsany and Assal (2019) note that immigration may be one of the factors contributing to childhood obesity. Some children struggle to adapt to the food culture of their new country and turn to accessible but unhealthy options like junk food, which are often high in salt and carbohydrates. This is a common outcome among picky eaters.
Stechyson points out that children’s picky eating habits often create stress for parents. This can lead to a negative cycle: as parents become more emotionally distressed, their children's selective eating habits may intensify, making mealtimes more difficult.
So, how can parents address this issue? For immigrant families, patience is essential. Instead of pressuring children to immediately accept unfamiliar foods, parents should allow them time to adapt gradually. For children who only eat certain types of food—such as only colorful items or just bread and fruit—gentle encouragement to try new foods can help. When children discover something new that they enjoy, their picky eating habits often improve over time.
However, if a child shows signs of extreme or obsessive eating behavior that seems concerning, it’s important to seek professional help. Doctors and psychologists can offer the necessary support and guidance. Addressing the root of the issue early is critical to ensuring the child’s long-term health and well-being.
References
Dondi, A., Piccinno, V., Morigi, F., Sureshkumar, S., Gori, D., & Lanari, M. (2020, January 31). Food insecurity and major diet-related morbidities in migrating children: A systematic review. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7071308/
Harsany, É. R., & Assal, L. G. (Eds.). (2019, July). Obesity in immigrant children and Youth. Caring for kids new to Canada. https://kidsnewtocanada.ca/health-promotion/obesity
Samuel, T. M., Musa-Veloso, K., Ho, M., Venditti, C., & Shahkhalili-Dulloo, Y. (2018, December 15). A narrative review of childhood picky eating and its relationship to food intakes, nutritional status, and growth. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6316224/
Stechyson, N. (2024, September 24). Parents, but not parenting, to blame for picky eating in kids, says New Study: RCI. Radio. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2106916/parents-but-not-parenting-to-blame-for-picky-eating-in-kids-says-new-study
