EARTH
Food & Life
Food & Culture
Every dish you enjoy has a history that relates to a different culture. Some have cultures that are easy to identify, but others feel uniquely American. These videos show three popular foods that can be found in the Southern United States. Each of these have a rich history beginning in different parts of the world before they received an American twist!
Foods such as barbecue, the Cuban sandwich, and sweet tea bring people together. You might enjoy barbeque while at a family reunion, drink sweet tea at a party, or eat a cuban sandwich while having lunch with your friends. The history of the food ties it to an array of different cultures, while the act of eating it brings you closer to your surrounding community.
Food is Fuel
Healthy eating is often taught to us at early ages, from those who care for us, our schools, and even educational television shows. The habit of incorporating fruits and vegetables in your meals is instilled at a young age in hopes that you will continue to make such choices as you grow. The reason is that food works like medicine in its own way!
You have probably heard that spinach makes you stronger "like Popeye" or that carrots are good for your eyes. Both of these are true. While eating carrots each meal won’t restore bad vision, the Vitamin A in them can help you maintain your eyesight. Similarly, spinach is nitrate-rich, and has been found to help muscle growth. Eating well not only helps you get stronger, but it also supports your body in fighting off diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and types of cancer.
Food Deserts
Think of all the restaurants and food available to you around your home. It may seem like there are endless options to get your next meal! However, for many metro-areas this might not be true. Many cities that seem to have plenty of available food options could actually be considered food deserts.
Food Deserts are areas where access to healthy food is scarce. Rather than having local grocery options, which provide fresh fruits and vegetables, these ‘deserts’ tend to be far from places that sell local produce; this makes fast food chains and gas stations the only resort for locals. The foods available at these establishments offer little nutritional value, harming customers that rely on them daily.
Health issues such as Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease stem in large part due to dietary choices. Media often condemns people suffering from these diseases for “not making healthier choices”. But what do you do when you don’t have a choice in the food options in your community; or do not have the transportation means to drive to healthier options, which are additionally more expensive than typical fast food.
Studies show that Native American, Black, and Latino youth have the highest rising rates of Type 2 Diabetes in the United States. These statistics, while concerning, could be correlated to the high levels of marginalized communities who live in food deserts.
Why is food wasted?
