To gain wisdom and knowledge about the world of food it’s important to understand the interconnectedness of eating to history, culture, politics, recipes (or not), new and well loved cookbooks, community action, thought leaders, and a multitude of stories in this case focusing on the African Diaspora. For over a month now, we've been dealing with the life changing events of the coronavirus pandemic aka COVID-19. Like so many, I've been sheltering in place, working from home, and trying my best to maintain mind, body, and spirit. One of my places for self-care is my garden. This past Thursday evening, I picked a few leaves of kale, sautéed them with garlic and onion, and served them with my version of some slammin' black-eye peas and rice or Hoppin' John. By the time I finished cooking it was late and I only did a little tasting. April's last Table & Plate Bites of Wisdom is featured below with a picture of Friday's early dinner. Enjoy.

Community Gardens & Local Farms

Seattle native, Ras Peynado has taken a financial hit due to COVID-19, but remains optimistic by trying new strategies to through these challenging times.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/this-seattle-based-urban-farm-is-learning-how-to-adapt-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Learn how Samantha Foxx is adapting and thriving during COVID-19.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/this-black-woman-owned-farm-is-adapting-and-thriving-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

A larger collective movement is brewing to harness the challenges of COVID-19; individuals, nonprofits, and families are establishing home gardens in the coming weeks. https://civileats.com/2020/04/02/the-moment-for-food-sovereignty-is-now/

Food Policy, Politics & Social Justice

Harsh realities of food, health, politics, and social justice explored in this article.

https://www.insider.com/coronavirus-mississippi-african-american-tate-reeves-obama-healthcare-economy

COVID-19 has amplified conversatons about inequality in the hospitality industry such as those started by Chef Deborah VanTrece, owner of Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours in Atlanta. Her dinner-and-conversation series, Cast Iron Chronicles, centers around black women in the business.

https://www.eater.com/2020/4/17/21219105/black-owned-restaurants-businesses-coronavirus-impact-covid-19

Culture Eats: Habits, Cooking, Networks and Business

Because of COVID-19 Chef Jonny Rhodes from Houston has converted his popular soul food restaurant, Indigo, into a grocery store that gives low-income families better access to high-quality food.

https://www.blackbusiness.com/2020/04/soul-food-chef-jonny-rhodes-houston-converts-restaurant-grocery-store.html

Captures how some black-owned food businesses in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area are dealing with COVID-19.

https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/food/article/21125639/what-if-dcs-blackowned-restaurants-cant-recover-from-the-effects-of-covid19

Sheamoisture starts a $1M fund to help women of color business owners deal with COVID-19

https://www.blackenterprise.com/sheamoisture-launches-1-million-fund-for-women-of-color-entrepreneurs-impacted-by-covid-19/