HERITAGE FOOD – HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGE PROJECT
In our increasingly diverse state, county and cities, transnational immigrant communities bring flavors from homeland and integrate them into American life. Culturally based foods and unique food habits influence and are influenced by mainstream culture. The ethnic diversity has delivered not only a plethora of cuisines; it has also altered how we eat as an American society. These realities make food an integral part of daily rituals, habits, and traditions. The ethnic diets determine the categorization of food and how it reflects ethno-demographic identity, giving credence to the statement “what you eat is who you are.” Expectedly, the relationship between cuisine and community identity is deeply rooted and reflected in daily existence.
Our focus and purpose are to inspire and create awareness in cooking using fresh organic produce to improve health, balance and life vitality, Improve access to healthy food – farmer’s markets, community gardens and grocery stores, teach the importance of eating cultural foods from the farm, raise awareness of ethnic food to Marylanders, US and around the Globe and educate them about the nutritional value of ethnic and specialty produce, ,Promote seasonal, local eating across the country and educates consumers on the dangers of fast food, commercial agribusiness, and factory farms, Bring the taste of ethnic vegetables of the world to your kitchen table by hosting cooking demonstrations, advocate for more educational programs are still needed in the areas of marketing, production and nutritional awareness to ensure a better understanding and promotion of these unusual crops and Bring the taste of ethnic vegetables of the world to your kitchen table by hosting cooking demonstrations
Our Vision is to provide ethnic healthy diet and lifestyle education to the community. We are reclaiming the nutrition benefits of Traditional African Foods and our priorities are to advocate at the State and Federal level for equal access to healthcare, nutrition education and physical activity programs, raise awareness through educational materials that are cultural and linguistically appropriate, seek opportunities to partner with faith based organizations, government, institutions businesses, schools, universities, media, individuals and organizations that support our mission and vision.