Co-creating Social Gastronomy Movement
A World on a Plate: Reflections from the Social Gastronomy Movement Reunion
We just returned from a gathering that left our hearts full and our minds brimming with inspiration. It wasn't your typical conference; it was a reunion of changemakers from all around the world all united by a common purpose – using food as a tool for social change.
This vibrant reunion was hosted by the Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), a network of individuals, Social Enterprises and NGOs that, since its inception in 2017, has been fostering a spirit of global cooperation. Here, the local and the global intertwine, with a shared commitment to knowledge exchange, best practices, and mutual inspiration.
The SGM isn't about Michelin stars or celebrity chefs. It's about tackling some of the world's most pressing issues – hunger, social inequality, and the ever-widening gap in access to healthy, sustainable food systems. With over 828 million people facing hunger, the urgency of action couldn't be clearer. The convergence of the COVID pandemic, the climate crisis, and ongoing conflicts that include the weaponization of food only underlines the need for solidarity and collective action.
The reunion wasn't just about future aspirations; it was a chance to reflect on the past seven years. We looked back on the movement's achievements, the lessons learned, and the challenges encountered. We grappled with questions of how to translate grassroots initiatives onto the international stage. Where do we go from here? How can we address the pressing issues of our time? And what role can the SGM network play in connecting people and organizations to find solutions for the current challenges? It's clear that a radical shift in the way we consume and produce food is essential, not just for our own well-being, but for the health of the planet and our societies.
Since 2018, both of us at Khebra have been actively involved in shaping the SGM since 2018 in our capacity of representing the German NGO Über den Tellerrand. During those years it's been a privilege to meet incredible individuals and learn from inspirational models of social engagement from all corners of the globe. Witnessing the movement's growth has fueled our own passion for building robust and sustainable structures of cooperation and solidarity.
But amidst the serious discussions, we never lost sight of the unifying power of food itself. We cooked together, chopping, dicing, and slicing our way to beautiful, nourishing meals. It was a testament to the power of communal cooking to break down barriers and forge connections.
At Khebra, we mirror this philosophy. We utilize the modality of communal cooking as a tool for community building and celebrating diversity. Food becomes a platform for cultural exchange, where we explore food symbolism and leverage the power of gastro-diplomacy to foster understanding, bridge divides, and create lasting friendships.
The SGM reunion served as a powerful reminder that change starts on a plate. By coming together, sharing stories, and breaking bread, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive world, one bite at a time. As Esther and Hameed, and as Khebra, we're committed to playing our part in this. We invite you to join us – let's use the power of food to build stronger communities, celebrate our shared humanity, and create a future where everyone has a seat at the table.