The-F-Word.org

With the widespread fear of fat today, most of us, especially women, have grown to see food as the enemy instead of the energy source it actually is. We discuss food in bipolar terms: “good” foods and “bad” foods. We reward ourselves when we resist the temptation of decadent chocolate and feel ashamed if we “cheat” on our diets. Some women strive to abstain from food while others down the feast only to toss it back up later.

So, it’s oh, so refreshing to see an exhibit which glorifies and celebrates the history of food in America.

In August, the traveling Smithsonian exhibit Key Ingredients: America by Food will come to a library in one of the communities I cover. The exhibit:

…explores the connections between Americans and the foods they produce, prepare, preserve, and present at the table – a provocative and thoughtful look at the historical, regional, and social traditions that merge in everyday meals and celebrations.”

Through a selection of artifacts, photographs, and illustrations, Key Ingredients examines the evolution of the American kitchen and how food industries have responded to the technological innovations that have enabled Americans to choose an ever-wider variety of frozen, prepared, and fresh foods. Key Ingredients also looks beyond the home to restaurants, diners, and celebrations that help build a sense of community through food.

The exhibit’s website lists destination venues through 2010, but if your area isn’t listed, check out the site’s online journey of 500 years of American food.

I’m particularly excited about the exhibit because it’s perfectly aligned with my graduate research into the social history and psychology of food in 20th century America. But I think everyone can find a piece of themselves and their own family history within the exhibit.

Bon appetit.