Diversity Q & A

Does your culture or religion influence the way you feel about food?

Penny

My favourite topic... I mean food in general! My tradition is full of food – there are the Old Testament stories about food at times of plenty and times of scarcity, there are stories about mana (bread) falling from heaven.  Food was a sign from God.  And Jesus was big on food too; he showed us over and over again that by sharing a meal with people, particularly those who are in need, you are showing God's love.  I believe that this is one of the best gifts of my tradition – the importance of sharing a meal together and the idea that all are welcome at the table.  Food has another meaning for me that also comes from my faith; a few years ago I decided to become vegetarian and eat mostly organic food.  I made this decision once I came to understand how what we eat has such a huge effect on the planet.  My choice to be vegetarian is one of the best ways I can live out my faith by helping stop climate change and caring for the earth and its people, which is what I understand God asks of us.