Some say food is the way to the heart, but could it also be the way to community? The Food Project explores exactly that: grounding and connecting people through food. Based in Detroit, a city with a rich yet challenging history marked by adversity and ongoing infrastructural struggles like food insecurity, the project brings nourishment and connection to those who need it most. Led by Rohani, an Indigenous woman from Australia, the initiative draws on Indigenous knowledge, locally sourced ingredients, and handcrafted products to create meaningful connections between displaced and discouraged community members, including farmers and artists. At her restaurant, Folke!, Rohani models a new approach to hospitality in America, challenging systemic inequities by paying employees livable wages that are not dependent on gratuity, addressing a deeper legacy rooted in slavery. Through food, storytelling, and community engagement, The Food Project demonstrates how culinary practice can nurture not just the body, but culture, economy, and collective resilience.
