Growing up on a farm shaped how I see food, not just as fuel, but as something deeply connected to family, land and tradition. I remember sitting on the porch with my grandparents, shelling peas and soaking up stories. It taught me the value of knowing where my food comes from and how to care for it from seed to table.

Food is more than nourishment—it’s a thread connecting us to our history, culture, and family. In African American households, dairy has long been a staple. For many it looks different from mainstream nutrition recommendations, but the way in which we eat it can still be very nourishing.