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Getting dinner on the table isn’t an easy task. Step back. Zoom out. So much happens before eating.
Have money, or work through the steps to access dwindling resources through SNAP
Have time
Know a recipe or crack open a cook book or sift through the millions of recipes online
Have transportation to a grocery store or farmer’s market
Know how to food shop, what labels to believe, what brands to boycott
Pay rent or a mortgage or jump through the hoops to get housing support
Have a safe living situation where you can cook without fear
Have a kitchen with tools and a counter to place your groceries
Have electricity or gas to switch on the stove and oven amid rising utility prices
Have clean running water
Know how to mince and saute, peel and blanch, taught to you by family or learned by doing
Have plates, utensils, napkins, cups
Know when the food is done by eye or thermometer or knife test
Own a table and chairs
Have a person or people or a pet with whom to share mealtime
Have energy to clean up after eating before another day starts
It’s not easy, but it’s vital. And paying more attention to dinner, all the steps, where it comes from, who goes hungry, is a big part of how change can happen within the current food system. Read the entire Dinner series here, if you’re wanting more.
What steps did I miss? And what are you eating for dinner tonight?
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