Food patterns and food assistance programs in the Cocopah Indian Community

Abstract

The Cocopah are a small Colorado River Indian tribe. A period of transition in Arizona from a Surplus Commodities Distribution Program to a Food Stamp Program provided an opportunity to study factors affecting participation rates and to assess the possible impact of these programs on food intake patterns. About 90 percent of the 115 identified families were eligible for food aid. During sample months only two families received commodities, in contrast to over 20 in the previous year when the distribution point was more conveniently located. Commodities issued provided about 4.18 MJ (1000 kcal) per head per day and failed to meet recommended allowances of several nutrients. An outreach effort succeeded in provisional enrollment in the Food Stamp Program of 88 percent of eligible households but participation had fallen below 15 percent in less than one year, due to a number of accidental and institutional factors. Food intake patterns indicated the nutrients most at risk to be vitamines A, B‐6 and C, pantothenic acid, calcium and iron. The underlying problem appeared to be poverty rather than knowledge of what foods should be eaten. Without sustained attention to their social and economic plight, there seems little hope for improvement of their nutrition and health status.