In a nutshell: Building belonging through food

Food has the unique ability to simultaneously evoke memories of family traditions, bridge differences and strengthen our connections with one another. In a time when our communities seem increasingly divided, the North Valley Food Bank (NVFB) strives to create a safe space where everyone feels a sense of belonging. At NVFB, food provides an avenue toward connection. Recently, our team and board participated in a training on Fostering Access and Inclusion in the Work and Service Environment, led by Empower Montana. We explored how we incorporate our values in our food access programs and learned new strategies to enhance equity in our services. Yet, despite these efforts, we have experienced moments of tension and othering with visitors at the food bank.  

The Othering & Belonging Institute defines othering as “a set of dynamics, processes, and structures that engender marginality and persistent inequality across any of the full range of human differences based on group identities.” Othering often arises in situations of economic instability, fear of the unknown or limited access to resources, such as food.  

I am aware that these are challenging times. Because of that, I would like to invite everyone in our community, no matter their situation, to be curious about their own inner biases and fears. What experiences have shaped your views on others? How can we, as an organization, help you navigate the challenges stemming from these experiences? How can we make you feel safe? Together, how can we shift our perspectives to foster a community rooted in belonging? At NVFB, we believe that food unites us. We approach food with curiosity, create shared experiences, honor our culinary traditions, and open ourselves to learning from both old and new neighbors. 

For many immigrants, like myself, food is the last thread connecting us to home. Last week, when our culinary team prepared potato soup, the aroma felt like a warm embrace from my grandmother’s kitchen. This hearty dish, paired with Frankfurters, is a cherished fall favorite in my family. Inspired by this, I asked my colleagues about their family’s food traditions, specifically their favorite potato dishes. They shared a variety of stories: a vinegar-based potato salad brought over by a colleague’s great-grandmother from Southern Germany, and twice-baked potatoes inspired by Irish ancestors. One team member jokingly remarked, “What isn’t a potato dish in my family?” celebrating her Irish roots. 

What dish holds special meaning for you? Do you know its history? Most of us have recipes passed down through generations, integral to our family’s culinary heritage and part of Montana’s rich food culture. Could we similarly embrace a less familiar dish? One of my favorite side dishes from my time studying abroad in Syria, for example, is Batata Harra, a spicy roasted potato dish. I believe every potato lover would enjoy it, and it pairs beautifully with a freshly grilled Montana steak. Can we remain open to new flavors and the stories that accompany them from our neighbors? 

This summer, our Junior Chef participants exemplified this spirit as they explored the cultural significance of food in their families, communities, and around the globe. They approached new flavors with curiosity and excitement, learning about the migration stories of curries, for example. Through shared meals, the kids built bridges of understanding, connecting through their diverse narratives. Our culinary team is now aiming to bring similar experiences to all of our customers. During store hours, we offer fresh soups and creative ready-to-eat meals. This week, for instance, we served carrot coconut soup and had curry-inspired shepherd’s pies available to take home. The warm soup created a calming atmosphere in our grocery store, encouraging customers to sit down, enjoy a bowl, and share their favorite carrot recipes with one another. 

Sharing food is often the very first step to a conversation. When you share food, you share a common language! We invite you to use this common language to foster connection, create understanding for someone else’s experience and build belonging for everyone in our community.

Sophie Albert is executive director of the North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish.