February 28, 2026, LA Green Grounds hosted Introduction to the Anthropology of Food lesson, given by Garden Keeper and Anthropology PhD Candidate Natalie Marshall.

This lesson was an introductory exploration of the social and cultural dynamics of food, covering key concepts and ideas from food anthropology. In the field of anthropology, we understand food to be more than just calories. Food provides physical nourishment, but it also plays a big role in our social and cultural lives.

Concepts covered included commensality (the idea that the act of eating together is socially significant in every human culture), differing cultural tastes and definitions of a “good” meal, food norms and taboos, and even how food becomes intertwined with issues of power and (in)equality.

The session included both lecture and discussion groups.

Here is a link to reference materials provided by Natalie.

Suggested reading:

If you experience any difficulties accessing materials, please send an email to [email protected] with an explanation of your challenge.