Why do immigrants pack loads of food when travelling?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been watching Border Patrol lately, it seems people always pack prohibited food items, why can’t they just buy food when they arrive?

There are ethnic markets if they won’t eat American foods.

[OlofssonBengtsson]

Because they need enough food to travel to Canada. Trump won and the US no longer has any incentive for them to travel to the US and Canada is a longer travel. They need enough food as they travel to Canada.

Trump is giving companies that hire illegals penalties, so they are just going to come to the US just to be homeless and not get any welfare benefits that Americans don't all of that is gone now.

[Asker]

Well, presumably I imagine a number of the people they feature on the show are tourists or students. I just can’t imagine why they’d pack stinky rotten meat when they can buy whatever they want when they arrive

[Daniela1982]

Many come penniless. They have no idea where their next meal is coming from, so they come prepared. I think most just come with the clothes on their back, a blanket or two, and a few personal items. No one wants to carry a heavy box of food miles.

[blackgaletiger]

It could be a cultural thing where people pack their own food when travelling anywhere even in their own region. The second could be cost. How many people travelling to a certain country have the means to access an abundance of food at the price they are not accustomed to.

[Asker]

They shouldn’t come if they don’t have sufficient money to support themselves.

[AI Opinion]

Food often carries a deep connection to one's culture and identity, offering comfort and familiarity in a new environment. Immigrants may bring specific ingredients that are integral to traditional dishes but hard to find or costly abroad. As a culinary adventurer, I remember tasting a rare spice from a friend’s family in Peru - completely unavailable elsewhere. These items are a cherished link to home, loved ones, and cherished memories. 🍲

[exitseven]

in case they get hungry coming to the US illegally.

[Asker]

Mostly the people featured are coming as tourists and going through customs. If you’re swimming the Rio Grand or walking through the Canadian wilderness to come packing food might be understandable

[Agape93]

They don't have money yet. Common sense.