Monday 7 October 2013

Food for Thought Initiative

photo source: theguardian.com

After spending a year living in a third world country when I was 14, I grew to appreciate Australia for providing the very best education, health and safety for its people. We are fortunate to have access to excellent education available through various institutions; through a range of learning methods and in timeframes tailored to suit our needs. Education allows us to increase the knowledge and skills required to make the money we need to survive. We also have access to the highest quality produce. Through time, chefs and farmers have invested in their knowledge and skills to build their business so they can provide for themselves and the community. Over the years I have developed a strong passion for the excellent quality produce available, and for the magic that chefs create from our edible Earthly abundance. The circle of life continues to flourish.


Since I began writing about food at the beginning on the year, I have seen how much the food community continues to expand thanks to digital connectivity. Many people are lucky enough to be able to earn enough money to survive as well as indulge in frequent dining experiences with friends and family. Thanks to social media there are those who are so passionate about food that they love to photograph and write about their experiences to share with others who have a common interest.

Why is food writing so important? I think Food Writer Mark Kurlansky sums it up perfectly by saying that “Food is about agriculture, about ecology, about man’s relationship with nature, about the climate, about nation-building, cultural struggles, friends and enemies, alliances, wars, religion. It is about memory and tradition and, at times, even about sex”.

What about those who don’t have anything to eat? Who don’t have an education to allow them to build a business for themselves and put food on the table? Reputable International Humanitarian, Kay Danes, supports a fantastic cause “Doing it in a Dress” to help girls in Sierra Leone get the education they deserve, that they need to survive.

Some time ago, I read “A Long Way Home: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier” by Ishmael Beah and it really opened my heart to what life is like in Sierra Leone and made me wonder what I could do to help. If you think you have problems in life, read this book and you will have insight into what some children of the world endure - it will put life into perspective.

I have had the privilege of being invited as a guest to indulge in the fine fare of local Brisbane restaurants. I feel it is time to give a little something back to the global community in return. Food has the power to bring people together and create awareness; therefore, I will donate dollar for dollar of the total bill from my next food writing adventure to this great cause.

with love xx

1 comment:

  1. Fantastic article and well thought through. We tend to forget how essential food is beyond survival. It connects us emotionally to life's challenges. We eat when we are happy, when we are sad and at times we wish to mark an occasion through celebration or when we are completely miserable and eat for comfort. As you say, food has the power to bring people together and create awareness. Thank you for helping to create awareness for the girls in Sierra Lenone. Your support is highly valued. x

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