Bertha M. Wood

“ That knowledge of foods of the foreign-born and of their native dietaries is the foundation of all success in this endeavor; it is a necessity in dealing with many specific problems of health or of disease; and is invaluable as a means of mutual understanding and sympathy between the American-born and the immigrant. "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." The soul of a family may be reached through the daily chores of the household.
There is need for enlightenment among Americans regarding the practical utility and enjoyability of many foreign foods. ”

“ The habitual foods of the nationality or race dealt with must be in the mind of the person who prepares the diet list, if it is to be of much real service. This means that the dietary problems of patients need to be handled by dietitians, visiting nurses, or social workers who have some knowledge of foreign as well as of the characteristic American diet. The average visiting nurse or medical-social service worker cannot become an expert in dietetics, and must depend upon the advisory dietitian or the visiting housekeeper. ”

“ That a family coming to this country from a wholly different environment is under an enormous handicap in attaining a satisfactory diet, particularly when the income is small.
That doctors, nurses, social workers, and even dietitians generally lack knowledge of the native diets and usual food habits of the foreign-born.
That a large number of the foods of foreign-bom peoples are well adapted to their physical needs. That most of these foods can be obtained in this country. ”