On Food and Community

Food influences every part of culture and community. The movement of fresh food and water determines the health and wellbeing of every person on the planet. Creating food practices that encourage thoughtful consumption, connection, and gratitude honors the journey of the food on our plates and the medicine it offers our bodies. Having choice in the foods we consume gives us leverage to influence, share, and connect people to resources within our communities. Consciously choosing to take actions that promote food sovereignty feels powerful. To share in harvests, give seeds, thoughtfully prepare, and offer knowledge is to be of service to others and build lasting community.

The convenience of processed food has made us believe instant gratification is superior to health. Even if we consciously do not consume processed foods, the impacts of the production, distribution, consumption, and disposal can be seen in our bodies and in the environment. The packaged contents lack vital energy because of the high levels of processing involved including milling, pressing, refining, and grinding ingredients. The more we eat out of packages, the less we connect to fresh whole food and the natural world.

In populations where processed food is most commonly available, poor health outcomes and disease are prevalent. Populations of low socioeconomic status are most impacted by lack of accessibility to fresh foods and water. The more dependent people are or have to be on processed foods, the greater risk for developing preventable diseases and negatively impacting the health of entire communities.

Food For Thought:

How does food impact your community?

How can food practices be used to build community and connection?

What are some impacts of the presence of processed foods in our culture?