Unit 3

Food Issues for Refugees in Countries of Origin and Australia

Unit Descriptor	This unit provides information regarding the usual foods consumed and eating patterns of refugees in their countries of origin/transition. It explores the issues and difficulties that may arise on arrival in Australia where familiar foods may be less available. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Employability Skills	The unit contains Employability Skills
Application of the Unit	This unit will be used by health workers, teachers, volunteers, government departments and organisations that are providing support services for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
Competency Field	While the unit is directly related to Community Services the unit is also related to: Health Local Government Public sector Retail services Humanitarian

Element	Performance Criteria
3.1 Knowledge of familiar foods and eating patterns in countries of origin	1.1 Identify some of the influences on food choices 1.2 Explain the importance of familiar foods 1.3 Describe some of the food habits of people from South Sudan and Afghanistan 1.4 Describe the impact of changes in lifestyle on people's eating patterns. 1.5 Use knowledge of specific religious requirements in planning catering for an event or activity. 1.6 Describe the effect of a changed environment on an individual's eating habits. 1.7 Identify some of the barriers to finding familiar foods in Australia for a newly arrived refugee. 1.8 Use skills to find out about the food and eating habits of people from other countries. 1.9 Explain some of the difficulties migrants experience in finding familiar or acceptable foods. 1.10 Be aware places that stock and supply some of the more unusual foodstuffs that may of importance to a particular community group.
3.2 The impact of the Australian experience on food access and consumption	2.1 Describe and explain some of the issues facing refugees in identifying, preparing and storing unfamiliar foods. 2.2 Explain the difficulties in asking for everyday food or services without appropriate language skills 2.3 Explain the difficulties involved in negotiating food and cultural norms 2.4 Explain the concept of some foods being ‘high status' items and the implications of this for food choices. 2.5 Take an individual's cultural background and desires into consideration before giving advice on health practices. 2.6 Describe the arrangements made locally for food supply on arrival. 2.7 Engage with refugees in exploring ways of preparing foods.