What is food culture? According to Experimentalstation.org, a group dedicated to building independent cultural infrastructure on the South Side of Chicago, it is “the cultivation, distribution, preparation, and appreciation of delicious and healthy food are critical to our individual and cultural well-being. A question we ask at the Experimental Station is: can a culture be healthy if its food is not?”
As the country becomes increasingly greener, the idea of food culture will only be more important. The food in this country is not healthy. Let me rephrase that: most people in this country have awful eating habits. Can we then say that our culture is unhealthy?
The idea of food culture is a good thing. It creates a dialogue about the foods we eat, the things we grow and the habits we have. Changing our food habits can jumpstart other kinds of change. Food culture has led to a renewed interest in fresh produce, among other things.
In the article, “Food culture trends bode well for produce industry,” Tim Linden of Producenews.com discusses food culture, its place in America and the research of June Jo Lee, a self-described ethnographer. He writes, “In a cooking culture, only the preparer of meals is involved with the food that the family eats. In an eating culture, everyone gets involved.”
An eating culture has its positives, but it also has its negatives. While everyone is talking about food like never before, fast food is still popular. Although people are watching cooking shows, Americans still have an aversion to meal planning. Since we are talking so much about food and its effects, there is a constant conversation about gluten-free lifestyles, probiotics for digestions and vegan diets. All this talk, Lee believes, will result in people consuming and growing more fruits and vegetables.
We are in the catering industry and therefore it is our responsibility to keep our eyes on the national food dialogue. After all, we “cater” to people’s wants. As people get involved in the conversation, they will want to have more say when it comes to the food being served at their wedding reception or other function. All signs indicate that food-preferences are getting healthier, which is a good thing.
Healthy living begins at home with the foods you eat. Perhaps if people eat healthier, they’ll behave in healthier ways. The run-down neighborhood may suddenly transform into a positive kingdom.
If you are in the Langhorne and Levittown PA area and have an event coming up or are interested in food culture, please contact the professionals at R & R Caterers!
–Rich
http://blog.randrcaterers.com/the-latest-trends-in-wedding-catering/
[msh_feedburner]