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In Her Words:  The connection between food and community is indisputable. If we think of a community as a group of individuals who share common interests; it can be as intimate as a family unit or as large and diverse as a religious or cultural group. Whether small or large, communities throughout the world use food as a way to socialize, celebrate, nourish, mourn and create a sense os security and belonging.

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Sharing food and offering hospitality to others is extremely important in most cultures. Cultural and religious celebrations feature food as an integral part of those occasions.  Although the food styles and eating customs vary greatly, what matters more is the sharing. Consider how in China morsels of food are taken from communal dishes (usually served up at a round table with a lazy susan in the centre) rather than everyone having their separate plate of food as is the Western custom. While these style differences are significant, social camaraderie and connectedness are engendered by both. The key is the social benefit of food, and sense of community around food is only possible when people are eating together.

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