A lot of our cultural recipes stem from our enslaved ancestors. In fact, one of the most popular American cuisines is southern Soul Food. Our ancestors made their own food to make up for small rations by their enslavers. Its very existence was to stand against attempts to oppress us.
Because of this, eating at home can be an act of liberation for our people. Many fast-food restaurants invest and support systems and initiatives that harm our people, the biggest being large investments into mass-incarceration.
Chains like McDonald’s and Wendy's use incarcerated people to produce frozen foods. With the high incarceration rate of Black people today, many of our brothers and sisters are being used for food chain profits. You may have McDonald’s money but should you really indulge?
So how can we eat more at home? Plan ahead if you can. Meal prep and make enough food for a few days and embrace leftovers. Our people’s creativity can always turn an old meal into something new. Take advantage of that.
While it can be nice to eat out, it’s also important to take heed to what momma said growing up and acknowledge we got food at the house. It’s not only a smart financial option, it can also preserve our cultural traditions.