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Breaking bread
Breaking bread, partager le pain, kasr al-khubz; food is a universal language that brings people together. Whether it’s a simple meal shared with family members or a feast celebrating a special occasion, food plays an important role in our lives and serves as a binding thread.
Food. Delicious, glorious food. It’s one the most basic human needs we all share, but since the beginning of time, food has divided and united people.
For millennia, food has served as a tool for control and power. Chef José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, says ‘Food is something that, when plentiful, is easily taken for granted. But when it’s in short supply, it becomes everything to people . . .’
Manipulating access to food is a war tactic that has been used for centuries. Imposing dietary customs and controlling access helped colonial powers suppress Indigenous populations. This tactic is evident today in Gaza, where food is being used to weaken the population. Ironically, the dishes enjoyed by the peoples of Israel and Palestine are the same or very similar – humus, mujaddara and falafel, proving that food is linked to geography, transcending borders and religion.
In addition, the increasing pace and severity of climate change are impacting food security across the world. Floods, fires and droughts are destroying primary food sources, crops and livestock, causing famines and increasing unfairness.
Despite these darker aspects, a beautiful aspect of food is its ability to be a force for good. Organisations are dedicated to providing food for those without, like Soul Hub in Newcastle. Established originally to serve hot meals free of charge to people in need, today, as its General Manager Matthew Ortiger explains, ‘We’re here to offer sustenance, a friendly face, and many other types of essential support.’ The creation of community gardens, food banks, and neighbourhood meals demonstrate how food strengthens communities and creates connections.
Many foods reflect cultural heritage, fostering an understanding and appreciation of different traditions and customs. In a world that often seems divided, let us break bread and eat mindfully together.
– Violette Amouroux
Digital
Creating communities to inspire girls in sport
Did you know that Aussie girls drop out of sport at twice the rate of boys? And new research shows that 15 is the peak age for girls dropping out of sport. And 60% of girls say they don’t have a female sport star to look up to.
There are also other reasons girls drop out of sport. There’s body confidence, bullying, conflict with time, social stigma and the rising cost of sports. There’s also fewer opportunities for girls to play sport in high school and less attention for women’s sport in the media.
I’m really passionate about sport. It helps me to stay fit and I really enjoy playing team sports like netball and Oz tag. Through my sport, I’ve met some really cool people that have helped me to stay fit and inspired, and I've also been involved in some really cool programs. (excerpt)
– Lola Mantle
Photograph
We must stop plastic waste
Littering, poor management of industrial waste and illegal dumping means millions of tons of plastic end up in oceans every year. This plastic clogs our rivers, streams, and dams and has disastrous effects on wildlife. Cleaning our oceans is incredibly difficult. So, we must therefore stop plastic entering our ocean when it enters the ocean.
– Evan Beacher