Ohio is rich in diversity with emerging immigrant populations in 15 metropolitan areas. While the state’s population grew 5% between 1990 and 2000, some counties experienced growth rates as high a
s 64%, with the immigrant population increasing by as much as 152%. To bridge cultural gaps between consumers and producers, the OSU Direct Marketing Team collaborated with OSU’s Foreign Language Center and local stakeholders for an OSU CARES project.
Because food is integral to sustaining ethnic cultures, this multidisciplinary project incorporated research and practices from various perspectives, including cultural competency, ethnic marketing, food and nutrition, needs of new immigrants, and the urban/rural interface. Facilitators of this project are working with local stakeholders to develop cross-cultural communication materials and cultural competency educational resources to increase interaction between producers and members of ethnic communities.
This project is made possible by funding through OSU CARES – an initiative of OSU and OSU Extension to expand faculty, staff and student partnerships with communities throughout Ohio.
