Meals that Matter
Meals that Matter
Why Matter and why is important
Certainly! By “meals that matter”, Meals that go beyond just sustenance and nourishment. These are meals that hold special significance, whether in collective or personal memories. They could be celebratory meals, meals with a cultural or religious significance, or even just regular meals that are shared with loved ones and create a memorable experience.
I think meals that matter is important because they create a sense of connection and community. Sharing food is a fundamental human experience, and it’s something that brings people together across cultures and backgrounds. By sharing meals that matter, we not only nourish our bodies, but we also nourish our spirits and relationships with others. Plus, there’s something about the act of cooking and sharing food that is fulfilling and deeply satisfying.
Overall, I believe that meals that matter can be a source of joy, comfort, and togetherness in our lives. They help us connect with others, celebrate important moments, and create lasting memories.
Food brings people together.
- Food has always played a significant role in bringing people together and fostering shared experiences. From family dinners to holiday feasts, food is often at the centre of important social events and celebrations. Sharing meals with others can help us forge and deepen connections, and it provides us with an opportunity to connect in meaningful ways.
- For example, cooking and sharing food with others can be a form of cultural exchange, allowing us to learn about different cuisines and customs. Similarly, sharing a meal can be a way to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays, and can help to create enduring memories.
- Furthermore, preparing and sharing a meal with others can also help us to express appreciation and gratitude. Whether it is preparing a meal for a friend in need or expressing thanks to someone who has gone out of their way to help us, food can be used as a tool to convey emotions and build stronger relationships.
Overall, food plays a crucial role in bringing people together and creating shared experiences. It is a medium through which we can connect with others and celebrate important moments in our lives. Sharing food with others is a time-honoured tradition that is not only enjoyable, but also deeply enriching for everyone involved.






Personal experience
I recall a time when I was traveling solo and stopped at a small local restaurant in a remote village in Quebec.



As I sat down at the counter, the chef came over and began to prepare my meal with fresh ingredients in front of me. As he cooked, I was able to watch his techniques and learn more about the local cuisine and culture.
As I ate my meal, I was struck by the sense of community in the small restaurant. Although I was a foreigner with limited language skills, I felt welcomed by the chef and the other patrons. We shared stories, food recommendations, and laughed together.
This meal was significant to me because it reminded me of the power of food to bring people together and create a sense of connection, even across cultural and language barriers. It was a memorable experience that left me with a deeper appreciation for the way food and shared meals can foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Experiences like these demonstrate how food can be a medium for forging and deepening connections and how it can help us celebrate important moments, both big and small, in our lives.
Organizations, businesses all over the world providing meals that matter to people in need.
- Feeding America: Feeding America is a nationwide network of food banks and pantries that distribute food to 40 million Americans each year. They work to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food, regardless of their economic circumstances.
- Sesc Mesa Brazil is a national network of food banks that collect surplus food from rural producers, retailers, food companies, and more, then distribute it to institutions serving Brazilians afflicted by hunger, addiction, and homelessness. Mesa Brazil also mobilizes to serve those affected by humanitarian crises. The organization brings together professionals, volunteers, and beneficiaries for conversations on nutrition and social care.
- Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels is a national organization that provides home-delivered meals to seniors who are unable to leave their homes. They work to improve the lives of seniors by providing them with nutritious food and social interaction. You can find all over the world.
- Local Food Banks and Pantries: Many local food banks and pantries are run by community organizations or individuals who are committed to providing meals to those in need. These groups often rely on volunteers and donations to operate, so getting involved can make a big difference in your local community.
Overall, these organizations and individuals play a vital role in providing meals that matter to those in need. By volunteering or donating, you can help to make a difference in the lives of others and support the important work of these groups
One of my family favourite recipes
Here’s a recipe for a nutritious and easy-to-prepare meal that is perfect for bringing people together:
Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
✓1 tablespoon olive oil ✓1 onion, chopped ✓2 carrots, chopped. ✓2 celery stalks, chopped
✓4 garlic cloves, minced ✓1 teaspoon ground cumin ✓1 teaspoon smoked paprika ✓1 teaspoon dried oregano
✓1/2 teaspoon salt ✓1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ✓1 cup uncooked brown lentils rinsed and drained.
✓1 14 oz can diced tomatoes ✓4 cups vegetable broth ✓2 cups baby spinach leaves ✓1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
Lemon wedges for serving.
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer until lentils are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Season the soup to taste with more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Serve hot with chopped parsley and lemon wedges on top. This recipe makes 6 servings.
Tips for Adaptation:
To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free vegetable broth.
For a creamier texture, blend half of the soup in a blender and mix it back together with the other half.
For a lower-sodium soup, use low-sodium vegetable broth or water instead, and adjust the salt to taste.
This vegan lentil soup recipe is high in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be conveniently adapted to dietary preferences. It is also perfect for sharing with family and friends and can be easily doubled or tripled to accommodate larger groups
Just Remember!
Meals that matter are important for several reasons. Firstly, they provide essential nourishment to those in need, particularly in times of crisis or disaster relief efforts. Secondly, meals that matter bring people together, build strong communities, and support local businesses. Thirdly, choosing healthy and nutritious food options can have a positive impact on physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the act of sharing a meal can promote social connections and provide a sense of emotional support and belonging. By supporting community organizations and businesses that provide meals that matter, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most and contribute to building healthier and stronger communities overall.