Empowering Youth Through Food: Stories from the #UniversalPlate Campaign

In 2021, I joined the Social Gastronomy Movement(SGM) during the pandemic to partake in the Universal Plate Campaign, inspired by Gastromotiva in Brazil. Although unfamiliar with SGM's mission, I was eager to combat hunger in Kitsap County, Washington. Initially providing 60 meals, by 2023, our partnership with Olive Garden Restaurant and local food banks led to serving 1300 meals, marking a successful campaign.

In May 2024, the Journey Learning Summit in Switzerland was a remarkable post-pandemic celebration, shaping the future of SGM. Working with the youth group, we pledged to organize events using food as a universal language upon returning home. I received an email from Kitsap Immigrant Assistant Center (KIAC) requesting ideas for a cooking class for young Latinos and Syrian refugees felt like fate, aligning with my vision.

 KIAC, an NGO supporting Latinos and refugees in Kitsap County, facilitated our inaugural event two months later. Empowering young voices through food, our events highlighted diverse cuisines, fostering cultural pride and storytelling. The recent cooking classes showcased Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors, evoking nostalgic memories among the kids.

The upcoming November events entail cooking for 130 homeless individuals at Salvation Army and a men's shelter. By sharing their culinary traditions and memories with new friends in America, these youth are fostering integration while preserving their sense of identity. This initiative aims to instill a strong sense of belonging in their new home, celebrating diversity and cultural richness through the power of food.

Reflecting on my own journey from Bahia to São Paulo at a young age, I recall how my mother encouraged us to embrace our heritage by enjoying traditional foods like cassava and plantains. Today, I am leveraging my voice to empower these young individuals to take pride in their roots and the cuisine that connects them to their past.

 The effort and dedication poured into creating these cooking classes fills me with honor and joy. I envision this initiative as a model that can be replicated in various countries and communities, contributing to a more inclusive and connected world.

These endeavors, enriching the community, were made possible by SGM advisors' stories of familial food connections. Grateful for the guidance of mentors;  Nicola Gryczka, Ana Gerla Gerlin Hernandez, Charles Holmes, David Hertz, Ayaz Shaikh, Andi Handke, Aaron Sakala, and Alexandar Garbonouff

We will continue to use food as a tool for unity and empowerment. Food is a Universal Language we must  work together transform lives and bring JOY around the globe.