Page 96 - Nutrition Counseling and Education Skills: A Guide for Professionals

4C H A P T E R

Summary

This chapter examined the challenges and importance of dealing with a diverse workforce as well as the
counseling and education of culturally diverse clients. As the United States and the world become increasingly
heterogeneous, the need to be cross-culturally competent is critical. Food and nutrition professionals must
develop awareness, knowledge, communication skills, and respect for all cultures in order to be successful.
This requires one to perceive and recognize the value and uniqueness of people of all cultures, whether a
minority or a majority.

Review and Discussion Questions

1. What is cultural diversity? What are some of the ways in which people differ?
2. As a manager, what would you see as the goals and benefits of workplace diversity?
3. What activities can be planned to address workplace diversity? How can they be evaluated?
4. Compare and contrast several models of cultural competence.
5. Define assimilation, ethnocentrism, enculturation, and acculturation.
6. How does culture influence people’s daily practices, including food choices?
7. Think about your own food practices. What influences them? To what extent are social and cultural factors involved?
8. Discuss with peers the family and cultural origin of your food habits.
9. What is cultural competence? What steps can a professional take to develop it?

Suggested Activities

1. At your place of employment, identify which cultural and ethnic groups are represented. Do you believe that the talents of the diverse
workers are being recognized?

2. List the cultural and traditional foods that you and your family members prepare. Share your cultural foods with neighbors and friends and
inform them about your cultural customs.

3. Select one cultural or ethnic group with which you are unfamiliar. Research the food choices and practices of this culture.
4. Find someone from a culture you would like to learn more about. Ask the person to be your cultural guide or teacher. After developing a list

of questions to ask in advance, interview the person to gather information on their food choices, practices, recipes, cooking methods, and
foods for special occasions such as holidays. Include spiritual beliefs and practices that influence food choices and overall health.
5. Interview a nutrition and dietetics professional who counsels culturally diverse populations. Ask questions about the counseling challenges
and opportunities working with this group.
6. Visit a grocery store specialized in culturally diverse foods. Compare the price, packaging, and nutritional label information on two products
that you can also find in a local grocery store chain.
7. Search the Internet for four culturally-appropriate education materials. Critique them for messages found in Table 4-2.
8. Locate the nearest food desert to your home or school. If possible, use the area to understand the opportunities and barriers for healthy food
purchase.

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