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Food is so much more than what people put on their plates; its a shared social experience.
Making and eating food is often how people express their cultures and their identities.
Cooking and eating can be about joy, self care, and belonging.
Elaine Gerber, PhD, is a disabilities scholar and the associate professor of anthropology at Montclair University.
However, there are some common barriers to cooking and proper nutrition that many within the disabled community face.
For one thing, just the way standard home kitchens are designed can make them inaccessible to many.
Additionally, not all kitchen utensils are designed for people living with disabilities.
I want people to know its not their fault if theyre having these issues with cooking or eating.
Its the attitudes and the structures around them.
For people with disabilities living in food deserts, traveling to shop for food can be even more difficult.
People [who advocate for healthy eating] are going to tell you to not eat out as much.
But if thats what it takes to eat, do it.
People are going to say you should cut certain things out of your diet to be healthier.
Elaine Gerber, PhD, is a disabilities scholar and the associate professor of anthropology at Montclair University.
If that makes it harder for you to eat, dont do it.
People will say to use fewer single-use plastics.
I want people to know its not their fault if theyre having these issues with cooking or eating.
Its the attitudes and the structures around them.
But thats not the case in all states, leaving many folks to fend for themselves.
I encourage able-bodied folks to be more proactive about offering that help to their disabled friends.
Were often afraid to trouble others with our needs.
Maggie, 36
Disability Feast acknowledges just how much cooking and eating can be about community, too.
I encourage able-bodied folks to be more proactive about offering that help to their disabled friends, she says.
Were often afraid to trouble others with our needs.
For those who have had access to funds to renovate their kitchens, its made a world of difference.
Many people figure out their own hacks to make things work, just like any other home chef.
Think of ways to make your kitchen practical, suggests Marina.
I know that I like a spotless counter top.
Little trickshere and there can help you feel better in your own kitchen and enjoy cooking more.
It also reminds him of all the creative problem-solving skills hes obtained.
Sometimes I think, Im a quadriplegic and I would kill it on that show!
Food is about community, culture, and belonging.
We all need to work to create systems that dont isolate peopleno matter who they are.
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