Feeding the Soul: The Power of Cultural Nutrition and Food Stories with Ashley Carter, RD

Food & RecipesMental HealthHealing Stories

Apr 5

“Our food is our story.”

— Ashley Carter

Lately, I’ve been finding profound healing in returning to the basics—food, culture, and stories. The meals we consume tell stories, carry heritage, and nourish communities. This concept was beautifully illustrated by a recent conversation I had with Ashley Carter, a dedicated Registered Dietitian and Co-Founder of EatWell Exchange, a nonprofit that teaches low socioeconomic communities of color how to eat their cultural foods healthily.

Ashley lost her mother at an early age, amid a childhood where diabetes and heart disease were the norm. She witnessed firsthand the impact of limited access to healthy food. College was the first time Ashley stepped into a world with abundant access to nutritious foods; this experience helped her realize the possibility of a healthier life, which in turn sparked a desire to bridge this gap for others.

Food plays a pivotal role in our lives.

Food connects us to each other. Food connects us to family. It reminds us of our most joyful memories and saddest life experiences. In this episode, Ashley teaches us how cultural food traditions are narratives woven into the fabric of our existence, telling us where we come from and, in many ways, guiding where we're going. The challenge, she points out, lies in preserving these traditions while also integrating healthier choices—a delicate balance that can profoundly impact community health and well-being.

Food deserts are a critical barrier to healthier eating.

Having grown up in a food desert, Ashley knows this story too well. Food deserts are areas where access to affordable, healthy food options is scarce, if not entirely absent, often leaving fast food and corner stores as the most accessible and affordable choices. The impact of living in such an environment is profound, contributing to a lifelong cycle of health issues and dietary challenges for marginalized communities.

Similar to how Ayurveda looks for the root cause of different health challenges, Ashley works to address the root causes of food deserts and ensure equitable access to healthy foods. Policy change is important, but sustainable improvements to healthy food access can come at the community level in the form of free farmers' markets and community gardens. Community leaders and members must be empowered to take charge and be given the tools and knowledge to nourish themselves in a way that respects their culture and improves their health.

We need to enhance cultural identities and food traditions.

Ashley shared how she works with individuals to make incremental, meaningful changes to their diets without abandoning the foods that form a core part of their cultural identity. This might involve simple swaps or adding nutrient-rich components to traditional dishes, thereby maintaining the essence of these meals while improving their health benefits.

Reflecting on our discussion, I am reminded of the power of food not just as a source of sustenance but as a vehicle for healing, connection, and cultural preservation. It underscores the importance of my work in promoting holistic health approaches that honor our diverse backgrounds and traditions. As we continue to navigate our health journeys, let us remember the invaluable lessons embedded in our cultural food stories and the transformative potential they hold for our communities.