Live at Eater Young Guns 2019 with Shakirah Simley

Listen to a live recording of the "Goodbye Food World, Hello City Hall" panel from the Eater Young Guns Summit with Shakirah Simley and Julia Turshen. The Summit was a day-long event put on by Eater that celebrated young talent in the restaurant industry and the issues that are important to them. The panel was a purposeful conversation with tangible ideas about all sorts of ways we can all use food to get involved in our communities.

Shakirah Simley lives by the motto: “If the personal is political, then there is nothing more personal or political than food.”

Whether you work in food or just like eating food, there’s something we can all do. Remember what Shakirah said: “Revolution and food have always been intertwined.” And there’s a way, many ways!, for all of us to be part of the revolution.

Below is the list of important reminders addressed in the episode. If you have other ideas or any other questions email keepcalmandcookonpodcast@gmail.com.

1. Be in dialogue with your local representatives. Save their contact information and be in touch. To make sure you’re represented, it’s good to let them know what you care about.

2. Use food spaces to gather - to invite people and welcome them - and then inform these groups. Create comfortable spaces to have uncomfortable conversations. This can be your restaurant or your own kitchen table at home.

3. Fill out the census!

4. Do your homework. Know what’s going on in your local elections and sign up for any election alerts or any other community notices.

5. Remember the term “Community Benefits Agreement” when new businesses come into your neighborhood.

6. Check your power and privilege and how you came to possess those things and how you can shift those things.

7. Shop and eat locally.