Eating food is an intimate act.

Eating food is an intimate act. 

Our relationship with food deepens especially when we grow it ourselves or, at the very least, prepare it with our own hands. This process fosters a meaningful connection to what we consume.

According to food designer Marije Vogelzang, comparing the food industry to the p*rn industry may be a suitable match. Both produce mass, quick fixes—anonymous, standardised pleasures engineered to hook people into seeking instant gratification. In the end, this leaves a feeling of emptiness, a craving for more, but with little satisfaction.

When we lack the space to grow or prepare our own food, the time or resources to do so, or the financial means to access better options, we are often forced to rely on processed foods. These foods are typically nutrient-poor and may contain residues of fertilisers, pesticides, and preservatives. As food designers Martin Hablesreiter and Sonja Stummerer note, the argument that conventional food production is necessary to support the poor is cynical. The poor are not only humiliated but also exploited. It

However, I believe that it’s possible to care for the land in a way that doesn’t exploit it but instead nurtures sustainable and abundant nourishment. Humans can play a vital role as land stewards, tending to the land with respect. When we understand the effort it takes to grow food and prepare a meal, we develop a deeper appreciation for its value. Growing food is challenging — it requires experience, keen observation, and often collaboration with creatures like mice and slugs.

While the trend of functional foods and eating for optimal health is pervasive, I feel that this approach often overlooks the sacredness of food and its connection to the earth. 

Modern pop spirituality often overemphasises the idea that “higher-vibrating” foods are inherently better. However, the disconnect occurs when these foods are for instance sourced in ways that don’t honour the earth, or when certain foods are consumed merely as a form of virtue signalling, a longstanding shadow in food culture.

When we approach food with appreciation and reverence, even the simplest meals can become a feast.

In this era of late-stage capitalism, the hunger for instant gratification is intense. The feelings of emptiness and disconnection lead many to seek quick fixes, as facing that emptiness fully can be unbearable. Yet, if we embark on individual quests to reconnect with what we’ve lost, honouring these efforts by paying close attention, change is possible.