Cooking is a dying art. Some people rely on instant noodles, frozen pizza and T.V. dinners for sustenance.
With the hectic pace of modern life these options cater to those who are either too busy to cook, or do not know how.
Eating has become a lonely activity.
But this is not what food should be about. Food was once synonymous with community.
Food festivals, like St. Albert’s Mac my Cheese Fest are re-establishing the connection between food and community.
Sharing bread, or in this case mac and cheese, brings out the best in people.
Eating together and talking about the taste, texture, and aroma of your food helps create common ground, a shared experience.
The bonds formed at food festivals last long after the final morsel of food has been devoured.
By strengthening our connection to food we satiate our craving for community.
Ottawa’s food festival scene has been simmering for years, but has finally reached its boiling point.
The Mac my Cheese Fest is just one example of uniquely themed food festivals that are held throughout the city.
Baconpalooza, you guessed it, focused on all things bacon.
While Taco Fest took a new spin on a Mexican classic. Of course we cannot forget about the variety of poutine festivals, a staple of Canadian cuisine.
Although a great first step, our connection to food and community should be extended further than food festivals.
Community gardens are equally important in growing a community from the ground up.
By exposing children to where food actually comes from you teach them a valuable lesson.
Fresh food tastes nothing like its bland counterpart, frozen food.
By showing kids what fresh food, either from the garden or a gourmet food truck, tastes like you open their eyes to the unlimited potential of cooking.
Growing food and cooking both require a great amount of passion and just a little bit of skill.
By reaching out to others who share this interest via social media, another community is formed.
Instagram is a hub of beautifully plated food, delicious desserts and simple recipes.
Through social media people all around the globe can connect, share and comment on dishes created by experts and novices alike.
Food festivals utilize these platforms to reach out to the community and promote their passion for cooking.
Becoming actively involved in both social media and the event itself people connect to a larger community.
Food has and always will play an integral part in our society.
From early man gathering around the fire sharing the fruits of their labour to extravagant Roman feasts with wine and exotic meats, food and culture has evolved along with mankind.
If food culture is going to continue to advance then people need to get back in the kitchen, try new recipies and leave their comfort zone to get comfort food at upcoming food festivals.