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No matter whatÌýholiday traditions your friends and family celebrate, chances are the food you eatÌýis part of what makes the holiday special. The food we eat might taste really good, but sometimes itÌýdoesn’t provide the full nourishment that our bodies need; andÌýsometimes, food we identify as 'holiday food' is actually produced withinÌýharmful food systems. When you cook food in which you know where and how it was grown and processed, you're not only nourishing your body with healthier food, but acknowledging and respecting decolonized food systems.

Decolonizing our diets meansÌýeating food and crops that are indigenous to our land, while standing in solidarity with the Indigenous communities. This might include eating plant-based foods or crops likeÌýcorn, beans, squash, tomatoes, potatoes, etc., acknowledging and talking about the historical context behind the holidaysÌýand honoring the labor it took to produceÌýthe food you eat.Ìý

This is a form of climate social justice because it acknowledges the treatment of IndigneousÌýpeople and recognizes that cheap, highly processed foods are generally unhealthy. It's no coincidence that decolonized food systems contain mostly plant-based diets.

As a student, it can beÌýtough to eat foods that are both nourishing and affordable, or to findÌýthe time and skill to cookÌýmeals.ÌýAdapting your diet towards plant-based foods is an ongoing journey, andÌýyou can make an impact on sustainability through small, everyday changes. Here are some recipe ideas to get started on your food decolonization journey:Ìý