Hispanic Heritage Month Shines a Spotlight on the Importance of Food
Food connects us. How many of us have made and shared a family recipe? Is there a fragrance that takes you back to your grandmother’s kitchen? Now imagine fleeing to safety in a new country where you are trying to hold on to traditions to share with your family, but you are struggling just to put food on the table.
Over 11% of Idaho’s total population experiences food insecurity, and this rate varies significantly by race and ethnicity. Among Latino individuals and families, 21% face food insecurity, compared to 10% of white, non-Hispanic individuals in Idaho. Studies show the Latino community is 2.5 times more likely to experience food insecurity than the general population.
The Idaho Foodbank’s ‘Culturally Relevant Foods’ program addresses food insecurity across the state by ensuring that services are inclusive. The goal is to provide food assistance that is not only healthy, but also respects and honors the diverse cultural backgrounds of the individuals and families being served. We believe that preserving cultural traditions is also a key factor in building strength and resilience. Cooking and enjoying meals together invites connection with loved ones and ultimately can bring feelings of hope and joy.
“Food is a powerful tool, it’s so much more than just nutrition. It connects us to our culture, our families and our traditions. When we cook together and share a meal we are spending time, making memories, really filling plates and hearts,” shares Mari Ramos, Executive Director of the Idaho Hispanic Foundation and Director on the Idaho Foodbank Board.