Allison Daminger, 2012, Anthropology

Allison Daminger ’12

I did an independent study of regional dietary practices and beliefs regarding food and health in Huamanzaña, Peru, a town of about 120 people located along the country’s northern coast. My goal was to explore possible connections between the rural Peruvian diet and health in the region, as well as to determine some of the cultural, educational, and practical factors shaping their food choices over time. This primary data on nutritional knowledge, common health problems and culinary perspectives will support my further exploration into the causes and consequences of the food practices I observed, and help me determine the potential for the Peruvian government and various non-governmental organizations to improve regional health through nutrition.