Seeds as Culture

By Kymisha Montgomery, CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator

Food has a way of bringing us together. Of creating a sense of community and a bridge connecting our heritage and culture. It can become a part of who we are, a reflection of our background and a mirror of our history. Cultural foodways used as identity markers connect us today with our ancestors long ago. The intersection between food and culture—and all of the activities that come with food, like preserving, gathering, preparing and presenting—provide us with opportunities to forge and maintain traditions and generational connections.

Seeds and plants have stories that are often told in fields, gardens and kitchens. They’re handed down through songs, customs and traditions passed through generations in forms like storytelling, ceremonies and everyday routines. We are fortunate to be able to grow and cultivate a diversity of plants without losing the cultural practices that go along with them—in a sense, forming a larger community where all cultural identities are represented, welcomed and empowered.

There are so many different cultures that are represented in our food landscape. Respecting all nationalities includes respecting all foodways. We can remember that American food originates and has historically been spread through immigrants and thus has been influenced by global cultures.

Food promotes diversity and inclusion and has the remarkable ability to bring people together to create connections and community. It is the perfect tool to be able to engage with and understand an assortment of cultures and communities. Plants and seeds are not only entry points, but the vessels for history and tradition, representing survival, resistance, and heritage across generations.

Our GrowFest veggie selection this year includes plenty of options from around the world. We hope you’ll find some that are already part of your story to add to your garden—or pick up something new to explore!