Food is one way in which we identify ourselves daily. We adopt and develop food rituals or patterns that follow us for the majority of our lives. Food has the potential to create “muscle memories” in our brains. It brings us back to fond memories in our childhood, or it leaves a scar on the senses. Many people from other countries find ways to sustain their roots through food and culture. This is important to their emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being.
Although the United States offers certain levels of cultural sustainability, some migrants don’t always feel as supported by the ethnic food accessibility in the US. There are parts of the country that do not offer many ethnic options, although some are well known for their multi-cultural accommodations.
Red Apple Market in Maryland is one of those places. It is an ethnic grocery store that has been the staple for the many Caribbean and African migrants, but also Latinos and Asian’s. (P.205) It acts as a Mecca for goods and exchange among many different ethnicities, particularly immigrants from Ghana.
“Food is a significant component of cultural sustainability in that it is one of the many life rituals that play an important role in helping reinforce the norms that we embody.” (Williams-Forson, p. 211)
Since many specialty ethnic, food items are not always readily available, many migrants rely on word of mouth from other family members or friends to decide which brands work well or are a good substitute. As well, many families start their gardens or grow things in pots in their yards or porches. This gives them the flexibility to use more of their native vegetables and spices.
In certain communities, different restaurants or pop up shops have emerged. They supply people with their coveted favorite dishes or authentic foods. One woman in Maryland is known as the “Waaky Rice Lady”. (Williams_Forson, 2019) She is well known amongst Ghanaian immigrants for her authentic cooking. Many people flock to her cooking because it reminds them of home.
What kind of food brings you comfort, what would you miss if you moved to a foreign country? Food has the powerful ability to bring us comfort when we are lonely but also connects us with our ancestors.
Williams_Forson, P. (2019). I Haven’t Eaten If I Don’t Have My Soup and Fufu”: Cultural Preservation Through Food and Foodways Amoung Ghanaian Migrants in the United States In 970357844 753402769 C. Counihan & 970357845 753402769 P. V. Esterik (Authors), Food and culture: A reader (pp. 205-220). New York and London: Routledge.
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