FALL 2024 ISSUE - Flipbook - Page 66
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Food for
Thought
By: Dr. June DePonte Sernak
D
iversity is one
of the greatest
strengths
the
world
possesses
as
the foundation
of humanity.
Food cultures
around the world are a great
equalizer of understanding
our vast intersectionality by
passing traditions down to the
next generation. Food is not
only an integral part of human
survival through nutrition and
sustenance it reveals so much
about culture and identity. Food
is fundamentally an expression
of culture and deones in many
cases our identity. Communities
and families gather for meals for
ceremonial celebrations, comfort
in bereavement and social
context.
Conversations and
rituals are communicated during
meals innuencing our reactions
and decisions of life experiences
over our entire lifespans.
I grew up in a small town
in South Jersey near acres
of farmland harvesting fruit,
vegetables and greenery that was
the scenic backdrop of my youth.
In the late 18009s, New Jersey
was given the nickname of the