Why decolonizing food matters

From this excellent article: https://www.womanlymag.com/issue-no-6/decolonizing-food-an-antidote-to-oppression

“Food is a key example of where racism manifests itself at every level of society. On an individual level, racism creates stigma around certain cultural foods, and the people who make and eat them. On a societal level, racism leads to consequences like food gentrification, where previously affordable staple foods like beef bone broth become trendy and are sold at high prices, out of reach for the communities that have cooked with them for generations.”

“…people who work in food justice circles focus on the concepts of “decolonizing the diet” and “decolonizing food systems” as possible solutions. 

Decolonizing diets involves the return to using traditional foods. It also recognizes that the loss of our traditions has contributed to many of the chronic illnesses that affect people of color in the United States. 

Decolonizing food systems involves changing the way we think about food, agriculture, and nutrition. It involves taking back the way food is grown and prepared, and providing alternative ways to access foods that are beneficial to our environments and bodies. Decolonizing food systems can also mean advocating for policy changes that address the systemic barriers. We each have a role to contribute.

Ultimately, food tells a story of history and power. We must pay attention to what the flavors, ingredients, and heritage of our food can teach us on the journey to creating a more equitable, anti-racist society for the future.”

https://chefswithoutrestaurants.com/2021/11/03/ghanaian-cooking-and-decolonizing-the-food-industry-a-podcast-with-chef-zoe-adjonyoh

For more on the importance of “taking back your food”, check out the above podcast by acclaimed food activist and food-preneur, Zoe Adjonyoh.

A healthy and happy 2024 to you and your loved ones!