With the upcoming winter holidays and the recent upheaval of government SNAP benefits, this is a time to remember the impact that food and food access have on us and on our community. For centuries, food and shared meals have been central to maintaining culture and connections for families and groups. From the cooperation and collaboration of traditional hunter-gatherer groups to farming and harvest celebrations, food plays a crucial role in social gatherings and events. The need for collective action around sustenance naturally requires communities to lean on each other and provide social cohesion as well as mutual support. From weddings to funerals, we see food take center stage to reinforce social structures, express communal values, and provide comfort and support. As more uncertainty around food access grows, the importance of these connections grows as well. Everyone could benefit from more support to find this nourishment and connection.
More now than ever, food access needs protection. Here in Portland acts of kindness, community, and food preservation are growing both plentiful and necessary. For example, Heretic Coffee Company has made headlines for raising over $360,000 to go towards free breakfasts for community members with no judgment or questions asked. Learn more about Heretic! Another example is Miss Delta Southern Food, who is offering a free pulled pork po' boy or BBQ cheeseburger to anyone with an EBT card from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m daily and are collecting donations to continue funding this project. Additionally, many more local businesses are offering non-governmental benefits and discounts that range from fully free meals, children's meals, donation collection, and options to “pass it on.” If you are interested in utilizing or adding to these resources, here is an updated list provided by KGW News.
These actions show the heart and care from the people in greater Portland. and the growing urgency for protection of food security. Individuals like us can also make a difference! By shopping at businesses on the list, you are supporting the work they do. Buying things from, or donating to, these businesses is a great way to support other community members, and it feeds into a greater support network that has the ability to reach further than any one person. On a smaller but still very meaningful level, we can also support the needs of our friends and neighbors in a more social way. For example, by sharing a meal with one friend, you can lift their spirits and build community. By buying a coffee for someone, they may have enough money to meet another important need. Food is so much more than just nourishment, it’s something we can share, cherish, and create, making it a powerful tool for unification in today's world.
Finding time to connect over food is an easy opportunity to grow community and belonging, while at the same time helping to emphasize the importance of food today. For many, eating together as a family, community, or group is a way to pass cultural traditions between generations. By promoting equitable access to healthy and meaningful food we can help to foster strong, resilient, and just communities. Without this connection we risk an overall health decline both physically and mentally within our community. While it isn’t always our responsibility to care for people that cannot support themselves, by giving what we can, it inspires others to give and generates the support needed for healthy and generous communities. The connection that food helps us create whether culturally, socially, or familially is the light that we need in this challenging time.