By: Matt Emma

For millennia, food has been a primary way people have come together. You’ve likely heard the expressions about “breaking bread.” You’ve surely shared a “family style meal,” where everyone eats from the same large dishes at a long table. And now, you may have noticed more people discussing the role of various foods in human health in recent years. This evolution from mere sustenance to genuine love and even supportive care has led food to become one of the most natural ways humans show care today.

Food Has Always Been a Form of Nurturing

It’s unlikely that there was ever a time when parents haven’t worried about their children getting enough to eat. Food is one of the most basic human necessities, and as a result, people had to learn early on which ingredients supported well-being and which ones could harm. Furthermore, many families have had to figure out which foods provide lasting energy. That’s why you’ll see many traditional meals include starches like pasta, potatoes, or rice, alongside sauces and gravies.

Thus, it’s no stretch of the imagination to say that food has always been a way to nurture loved ones. Fathers hunted, mothers gathered, and parents prepared soups, stews, and casseroles to nurture their little ones and themselves. Today, humans perform those same acts for friends, family members, and even strangers. You can volunteer at a soup kitchen to feed the homeless, drop off a casserole, or send a sympathy care package to a sick sibling. The bottom line is that feeding someone represents a form of care, and it always has. 

It Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Aside from its nutritional value, food is a relatively easy and accessible way to show up for someone you care about, especially if it’s inexpensive. You can spend less than $10 to make a hearty soup that serves a large family and leaves plenty for leftovers. Indeed, many people today are even growing their own food to keep expenses down even more. This means you may receive a fresh loaf of sourdough bread that costs someone only pennies to produce on their own. Or you could join a friend for a veggie stew that came entirely from their garden.

This food revolution has meant that people are becoming more mindful of where they spend their money, how much they spend, and whether it’s worth investing in chickens to avoid the rising price of eggs. The result of this move, in turn, means that many people have an abundance of food in their gardens, more than they themselves can eat. Those people are more than willing to share their abundance, preparing dishes and delivering baskets of fruits and vegetables to their friends and neighbors.

People Commune Over Food

With this renewed push to share food, more people are spending time together at the table. The family dinner is making a comeback, as more popular family-focused television programs highlight people sitting around the table at that six o’clock dinner spot. There are also YouTube creators who emphasize shared meals as a way to create strong family bonds. The point of much of this guidance is that it doesn’t have to be every night. A few nights a week can offer plenty of opportunities to connect.

This reunion around the dinner table for families may be part of the reason people have rediscovered food as a form of care. When you experience the benefits of eating with the ones you love on a regular basis, you’re more likely to want to extend those benefits to others in your life. So, you may whip up an extra batch of lasagna or throw a batch of cookies in the oven to bring to someone you care about the next day.

The Global Shutdown Was a Reminder

It’s important to remember that just a few short years ago, many people had to remain within their homes for public safety. (Why do you think so many people started making sourdough?) Before COVID, even the closest families might have had disparate schedules that kept them apart for most of the week. If they were lucky, they might gather at a kids’ soccer game early Saturday morning. But even those precious days could be filled with errands and chores, leaving little time for moments around family meals.

Then the world kind of shut down, and everyone had to remain pretty isolated. Kids were suddenly home from school indefinitely. Parents worked from laptops in the living room in their bathrobes. And intentional eating became important again. What’s for breakfast? What’s for lunch? What’s for dinner? These questions, which were once answered with quick meal options, now got replies that included recipes and thoughtful meals. Food became the centerpiece for many families around the globe once again, a way to share and care.

The Growing Role of Food in Care

Another natural offspring of COVID was the return to focusing on eating food for health. Long before pharmaceutical companies figured out how to turn plants into drugs, people relied on food to comfort their bodies. They used various herbs for coughs, fevers, pain, digestion, and more. They learned which mushrooms helped the brain and which ones were dangerous. Food was supportive as much as it was nourishing for many generations.

When corporations took over food and drugs, many people forgot about the connection between food and health. But the COVID years saw a return to that wisdom. Mothers started making elderberry tea for the immune system and preparing bone broths for rich, hearty soups that alleviated cold and flu symptoms. Now, everyday conversations, shared stories, and university research highlight how thoughtful ingredients are used as a way to show care and support.

In the end, whether you’re bringing someone a batch of cookies or brewing up ginger and turmeric tea for a loved one, or both, food has become one of the most natural forms of care. It’s a way to show someone you love them and want them to be well. And it’s a way to genuinely bring comfort and support to an ailing body or mind. In this new food-as-care movement, one of the best steps you can take is to learn about the connection between food and the human system. So you’ll know exactly what ingredients to put in your next batch of chicken soup.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While certain foods and ingredients may support general wellness, they are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any health conditions. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions.