Roots in the Aisles: The Influence of Ethnic Markets on Traditional Foods and Generational Identity among Second-Generation Mothers in the United States

This research explores how second-generation Latina mothers incorporate traditional Latine meals into their diets, using ethnic markets as a lens for analysis. Rather than viewing these meals as solely nutritional choices, I approach them as tokens of cultural significance that transmit memories and traditions as well as play a role in identity formation. Through the use of existing literature and an online questionnaire, I use a mixed-methods approach to analyze the role that food shopping and ethnic grocery stores play in the lives of these women. This study highlights how ethnic markets allow for cultural preservation and continuity within this population.