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Why food is deeply political

People are struggling to put nutritious food on the table - SILVIARITA/PIXABAY

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We’ve seen how many regions around the world still suffer from hunger despite there technically being enough food to feed everyone globally. We also see how food like pork or beef is sometimes weaponised in the culture wars to sow division between communities.

Dr Elaine Pratley is a peacebuilder who does interfaith and intercultural dialogue and whose work explores how something as simple as food can be deeply political. Her thesis Hungry for Peace examines the ways food practices and food insecurity are tied to questions of power, identity, and belonging. She’s also the founder of Peace Kitchen, an initiative that brings people together over shared meals to spark dialogue and connection.

BFM talks to Dr Pratley about how food can both heal and divide communities, and why tackling hunger isn’t just about filling stomachs but about challenging the systems of inequality and marginalisation that determine who gets a seat at the proverbial dining table.

Elaine will be speaking at ZafigoX 2025 Women’s Festival, taking place on 11–12 October at Menara KEN TTDI, Kuala Lumpur. For more information, check out the website zafigo.com

Presented and produced by: Dashran Yohan/BFM

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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