Food security and diversity and foods culturally preferred by rural families in marginalized municipalities of Chiapas, Mexico

The purpose of this study was to analyze the food security and diversity of rural families in Tumbalá and Sabanilla (municipalities with high marginalization), as well as in Villaflores (a non-marginalized municipality), Chiapas. The methodology was qualitative and quantitative through interviews and surveys of rural families with and without PESA (Strategic Project for Food Security- Proyecto Estratégico de Seguridad Alimentaria). There were differences with regards to food availability and diversity. The families which have PESA have better conditions for food security; those which do not have more problems with food supplies. The families produce and acquire a variety of foods which is wider in the marginalized and indigenous municipalities. The limitation is that PESA does not take into consideration the culturally preferred foods. Nevertheless, the families produce them. In Villaflores, the weather conditions do not permit the production of certain foods throughout the year; families, therefore, are more dependent upon industrialized foods, although they produce dairy products. It is concluded that public policies related to food security should be extended to rural communities for greater access to food security.