More Than a Meal: Food as a Pathway to Healing, Connection, and Community
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Authors
Shaw, Kathryn
Issue Date
2026-03
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
cooking therapy , eating together , experiental therapy , importance of cooking , food as healing
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone explores the growing sense of disconnection experienced by many young people and considers how communal cooking and shared meals might serve as relational practices that support healing, empathy, and belonging within school environments. Historically, preparing and sharing food together functioned as a daily rhythm of family and community life, offering natural opportunities for conversation, cooperation, and the transmission of cultural knowledge. However, modern western social structures, including increased busyness, changing family routines, and the industrialization of food systems, have contributed to a decline in shared meal practices and relational time. Drawing on interdisciplinary research from psychology, sociology, education, and food studies, the literature review examines the importance of social connection for human well-being, the developmental benefits associated with shared meals, and the cultural significance of food within Mennonite traditions, Indigenous food sovereignty practices, and other communal food systems. Research on cooking interventions and experiential learning further suggests that cooking can support psychosocial well-being by fostering confidence, collaboration, resilience, and a sense of shared accomplishment. Within this context, schools emerge as important environments where relational experiences can be intentionally cultivated. Building on both the research and the author’s experience teaching a middle school foods program, this capstone suggests that foods classrooms can function as spaces where students learn not only practical life skills but also empathy, cooperation, and belonging through the shared preparation and enjoyment of food. Recommendations include reframing foods education to emphasize relational learning, creating opportunities for collaborative cooking and shared meals, and recognizing communal food experiences as accessible approaches to supporting youth connection and well-being within schools and communities.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess