Essay 1  Food and Identity

“The meals we eat, where we eat them, and with whom we share them tell a story-one that becomes an integral part of the much bigger story of our lives” ~ Rebecca Horton.

For this assignment, please write a 3-4 page descriptive narrative that focuses on the relationship between your food preferences and your identity. In the essay, address how your food choices express aspects of your identity and which special food experiences, such as family or regional dishes, help define your food culture, heritage, community, and values. Describe the personal connections between friends and family members and your memories of certain foods, and how you associate foods with particular places and experiences. How have certain foods influenced your personal food identity and how has your identity influenced your food preferences?

Although this is a narrative assignment, your essay should be structured formally and convey an academic tone. Your essay should be a minimum of five paragraphs long, including an intriguing introduction with a clear thesis statement, at least three main points (body paragraphs with topic sentences, transitions, plenty of supporting details, and specific examples), and a well-developed, reflective, and satisfying conclusion.