By Hadassah Patterson

We’ve all been there.

The anticipation. The aroma. Getting it just like you want it….

There is no substitute for food cooked with love and intention. And while we all swing through a quick food stop in travels; and I speak with deep knowing to the love, sweat and tears of the food industry, every one of us loves home-cooking.

Why? It speaks to us differently. But also, it makes us feel better. And ultimately, food is a sensual experience. Sensual in the sense of emotional, physical, mental and yes, spiritual.

Let’s get physical for a minute.

How healthy are you? I’m not asking if you can run the 40 in 4.4. That’s great, but doesn’t speak to underlying health conditions—due to genetics, activities, and yes, food.

Food is medicine and affects our health. It doesn’t get more personal.

Yet, you might be shocked that some of America’s popular sit-down chains serve food in a bag, trucked frozen cross-country. And fast food containers may be coated with chemicals. Would you like a side of cancer with that?

Another benefit of home-cooked meals is the personal power we engage. Food is something we can control. According to the American Public Health Association, numerous “non-medical” external factors such as discrimination, income and education affect our health.

● This causes higher rates of cancer. The American Cancer Society states that “for most types of cancer, Black people have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the United States.”

● It causes a higher incidence of diabetes. African Americans and Latin populations are at 50% higher risk of diabetes.

● And it causes higher occurrences of hypertension. “The rate of high blood pressure among Black people in the United States is among the highest in the world.”

But we can curate our health. Growing, cooking and eating our own food is the best way to benefit ourselves. In short, food sovereignty is the key.

Also, health inequities are expensive. Healthy citizens solve financial challenges on a micro and macro level, and that is sexy.

“According to a study by the National Urban League Policy Institute, the annual “burden in excess medical costs is expected to increase to …$363 billion by 2050.”

That’s right, baby. Billions. But health gaps are narrowing. As of 2024, the National Urban League report shows that equality levels in the “Black/White Equality Index” are at 88.6 % (of 100 overall) in health, with civic engagement at 95.9%.

So, we have choices! Fresh, whole foods like leafy greens (not doused in salt pork), seasoned fresh vegetables, local meats, whole grains, wild-caught seafood―these are better for health. And access at various incomes is possible.

Speaking of civics, if you think food isn’t political, catch up right quick. Home cooking is about access, cost, laws governing food systems and our environment.

Check agricultural and Soil and Water Conservation representatives before voting. Having our say-so benefits our civic health, according to County Health Rankings.org

Lastly, Dr. LaTanya Bowman recommends home-cooking for its holistic benefits—healthier lifestyle changes.

“I recommend… to learn how to slow down. You’ll find yourself having more time for yourself… to do things like cooking and other enjoyable things that we normally don’t take time to do here in the United States.”

So let’s slow down long enough to savor those loving foods with a healthier twist, closing our eyes in gratitude for our ancestral gifts.

Chef Hadassah Patterson is a 15-year veteran of both journalism and the food industry, a Certified Community Health Worker, and Certified Community Health Ambassador with Duke Cancer Institute