Blog Join the Conversation: What Does Food Mean to You? January 6, 2025 Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Email What stories unfold around your dinner table? At Northwest Harvest, we believe these stories have the power to reshape how our community understands and talks about hunger, food justice, and the systems that determine who has access to healthy food. This year we’ve launched the Meaning of Food, a yearlong exploration inviting Washingtonians to share their unique perspectives on food’s role in our lives and communities. Each month centers on a different theme, from “Food is Justice” to “Food is Joy,” creating space for deeper dialogue about food’s significance in our lives. Three Ways to Share Your Story Respond to our Monthly Video Prompts January asks, “What does food justice look like to you?” Your story might inspire others to think differently about hunger in our communities. Record your video submission by clicking on one of the monthly themes below. Download our “Food is…” Template… Fill in what food means to you, then share your Food is… image on social media. Be sure to tag us @nwharvest and #MeaningOfFood. Send us your image to be feature on our social channels! Click here to get started> Join the Conversation on Social Record a reel or story responding to our monthly prompt and share it to your social networks. Be sure to tag us @nwharvest and use the hashtag #MeaningOfFood. Or go to our pinned Meaning of Food post on Instagram and share your story in the comments. Every voice adds depth to this important dialogue. Share your comment> #ArtistsForFoodJustice Throughout 2025, twelve Washington artists from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities and marginalized identities will interpret our monthly Meaning of Food themes through original digital artwork, premiering on the first day of each month. Visit our #ArtistsForFoodJustice page to learn about each artist and see how they translate these themes into powerful visual statements. Meet the artists> Monthly Themes & Story Prompts Click a month below to record your video story submission. January: Food Is Justice Building food justice means building a more equitable world for all. What does food justice look like to you? Share your reply: HERE February: Food Is Love Our love stories unfold in shared meals and family recipes. What’s your food love story? Share your reply: HERE March: Food Is Renewal Spring awakens the soil, the seeds, and our connection to life’s cycles. How does food renew you? Share your reply: HERE April: Food Is Medicine Ancient healing wisdom lives in every kitchen and garden. What food makes you feel better? Share your reply: HERE May: Food Is Culture Each dish carries the stories of our heritage and identity. What food(s) best represents your culture(s)? Share your reply: HERE June: Food Is Pride True nourishment means bringing our whole selves to the table. What’s a dish you eat or make that makes you feel proud? Share your reply: HERE July: Food Is Power Access to healthy food empowers communities to thrive. What food makes you feel like you can take on the world? Share your reply: HERE August: Food Is Political Who grows it, who gets it, who goes without – food justice is social justice. What would you change about our food system? Share your reply: HERE September: Food Is Solidarity Together we nourish stronger, more resilient communities. How does food bring you together with others? Share your reply: HERE October: Food Is Abundance Sharing our harvests opens hearts and strengthens bonds. What’s your favorite fall food? Share your reply: HERE November: Food Is Gathering Traditional harvesting and shared meals connect us to land and each other. What’s your favorite dish to bring to a potluck? Share your reply: HERE December: Food Is Joy Food can bring moments of pure delight, from first bites to tried-and-true favorites. What food makes you happy? Share your reply: HERE When we share our food stories, we share ourselves. By bringing these stories together, we illuminate the truth that ending hunger requires more than food – it demands understanding, action, and systemic change. Welcome to the Meaning of Food conversation. We can’t wait to hear your story. Follow the Meaning of Food campaign on Instagram [@nwharvest] and Facebook [@nwharvest], and join the dialogue using #MeaningOfFood.
